Local

Eight stories that explore Kansas City’s history and heritage

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Kansas City’s unique history is reflected in its landmarks, people, and defining moments. The Westport covered wagon, now displayed at the Harris-Kearney House Museum, dates back to 1838 and highlights the early founding of the city. The long-delayed Community of Christ Auditorium in Independence shows how grand visions can take decades to realize, finally opening with its iconic pipe organ in 1952.

Footage from nearly 100 years ago reveals how Kansas City embraced new technologies, with early home movies showing the city’s radio pioneers. The story of KC Wolf, the Chiefs’ mascot, celebrates a tradition born from passionate fans and creative community spirit.

In 1831, Mormon leader Joseph Smith chose the grounds for a temple in Independence, MO. Nearly a century later, construction began there on the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints Auditorium. Due to the Great Depression and World War II, the building, which contains one of the world’s finest pipe organs, wasn’t christened until 1952. By Monty Davis

NO. 1: THIS INDEPENDENCE BUILDING WAS IN THE WORKS FOR NEARLY A CENTURY BEFORE IT WAS COMPLETED

The Community of Christ Auditorium in Independence stands on grounds originally chosen by Joseph Smith | Published July 3, 2024 | Read Full Story by Randy Mason

The front wheels, axle and shaft of the Conestoga-style wagon that once sat outside of the Old Westport Shopping Center, at Westport Road and Southwest Trafficway, are now on display on the grounds of the Harris-Kearney Historical House Museum. By Eric Adler

NO. 2: MOVED TO NEW HOME, WESTPORT COVERED WAGON DISCOVERED TO BE OLDER THAN ANYONE IMAGINED

No one knew this artifact’s true age until it was hauled away from its longtime perch in Westport. “I’m not sure anyone would have noticed it before.” | Published July 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eric Adler

The Cinnamon Roll $6, at Hemma Hemma, 7122 Wornall Rd, Kansas City. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 3: DONNA KELCE PROMISED I’D LOVE THE CINNAMON ROLLS FROM THIS KC BRUNCH SPOT. SHE WAS RIGHT

This Waldo restaurant serves some of the best cinnamon rolls I’ve had in Kansas City. | Published September 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Natalie Wallington

Tiki Taco serves a Thai fried chicken taco, left, abuela pastor taco, Korean beef taco and more. By Emily Curiel

NO. 4: TAKE A TOUR OF KANSAS CITY’S TACO SCENE WITH THESE 5 LOOKS AT MEXICAN FOOD FAVORITES

The Kansas City area is known for more than its barbecue. | Published September 16, 2024 | Read Full Story

The bar at Show Pony, now open inside Origin Hotel. By David Hudnall

NO. 5: NEW TO KANSAS CITY’S RIVERFRONT: RESTAURANT WITH BOURBON CHICKEN, SHORT RIB & BRUNCH

You can get the Buttonwood Farms Chicken Crown, Eggs in Purgatory, or Smoked and Smashed burger at this space inside a new hotel. | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

In a scene from one of the old home movies discovered by Leawood film collector Joe Tomelleri, an unidentified woman poses with an elephant at a circus along with a radio from the Sterling Radio Corporation in 1929 in Kansas City.

NO. 6: SEE HOW THESE HOME MOVIES FROM ALMOST 100 YEARS AGO PROMOTED KC’S LATEST TECH GADGET

The new technology of home movies was used to promote another new technology that was blowing up on the scene in Kansas City in the 1920s. | Published January 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Randy Mason Monty Davis

Dan Meers has been the Kansas City Chiefs’ mascot “KC Wolf” for 30 years. The Chiefs recently acknowledged the anniversary of what’s believed to be the longest-running such gig in the NFL. By Jill Toyoshiba

NO. 7: WHY DO THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS HAVE A WOLF MASCOT? WHO IS HE? THE HISTORY OF KC WOLF

Get to know the man — and the story — behind the Chiefs tradition. | Published January 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

A 1964 highway engineering study provided residents with a preview of what a modern highway through Southtown neighborhoods might look like.

NO. 8: KANSAS CITY CONSIDERED A HIGHWAY FROM DOWNTOWN TO THE PLAZA. THEN RESIDENTS FOUGHT BACK

Many of the fears raised by neighbors did come to fruition — but in neighborhoods a couple of miles to the east. | Published March 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Wells

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.