The Story of Sarah Rector - “The Richest Black Girl in America”
Discover the remarkable story of Sarah Rector, who went from an 11-year-old girl with worthless land to Kansas City's first Black millionairess after oil was discovered on her property in 1913.
The Story of Union Station
When it opened on October 30th, 1914, Union Station was the third-largest train station in the country. The new station replaced the overcrowded Union Depot in the West Bottoms, which had been damaged by the devastating flood of 1903.
The Story of the Haunted Elms Hotel
The Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, has been a landmark of the town’s history for more than a century. Its origins trace back to the late 1880s, when Excelsior Springs became famous for its mineral waters that were believed to have healing properties.
The Story of the Haunted Odd Fellows Home (Liberty, MO)
Established by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) on a 240-acre farm in Liberty, Missouri, the complex was designed to care for members of the fraternity, as well as their widows and orphans.
The Story of Bobby Greenlease’s Kidnapping
The 1953 kidnapping and murder of six-year-old Bobby Greenlease shocked Kansas City and the nation. Posed as his aunt, Bonnie Heady abducted Bobby with partner Carl Hall in a scheme that led to a $600,000 ransom—the largest in U.S. history at the time. Despite payment, the boy was killed, the kidnappers were swiftly executed, and much of the ransom money remains missing to this day.
The Story of Hiring Andy Reid
In early January 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid found each other at pivotal moments. The Chiefs were a broken franchise after a 2–14 season, shaken not only by losses but by tragedy within the organization. Reid had just been dismissed after 14 years with the Philadelphia Eagles and was grappling with both a losing season and the death of his son.
The Story of the M.B. Nelson Home on Ward Parkway
Built in 1914, the Mack B. Nelson House is a magnificent Kansas City residence designed by architect Henry F. Hoit. Known for its grand classical style and unique interior courtyard, the home reflects both the wealth and influence of Nelson, a leading figure in the lumber industry.
The Story of Vaile Mansion
Discover the history of the Vaile Mansion in Independence, Missouri — a 31-room Second Empire masterpiece built in 1881 by Colonel Harvey Vaile. Explore its lavish architecture, innovative 19th-century amenities, and the storied legacy that transformed it from a Victorian showplace to a preserved historic museum.
The Story of Corinthian Hall
Corinthian Hall, built in 1910 by lumber baron Robert A. Long, is one of Kansas City’s most iconic mansions and a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture. Today, it serves as the Kansas City Museum, preserving the city’s cultural heritage through exhibits and historic restoration.
The Story of the Bomb Pop’s Invention in KC
Learn how the iconic red, white, and blue Bomb Pop was invented in Kansas City in 1955 by Merritt Foods during the Cold War era. Explore its patriotic roots, evolution, and lasting impact on American summertime culture.
The Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse: Kansas City's Darkest Day
In 1981, the collapse of two walkways inside Kansas City’s Hyatt Regency Hotel killed 114 people and injured over 200 others. This article examines the structural failures that caused the tragedy, the rescue efforts that followed, and the lasting impact on engineering standards and public safety.
The Story of The Jacksons at Arrowhead Stadium (1984)
Relive the kickoff of The Jacksons’ 1984 Victory Tour at Arrowhead Stadium—three historic concerts that launched a record-breaking tour and marked the final time all six brothers performed together.
The Story of Sliced Bread’s Invention in Chillicothe
Discover how sliced bread was first invented and sold to the public in Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1928—revolutionizing the baking industry forever. Learn about the inventor Otto Rohwedder, the local baker who took a chance, and how this small town became the official Home of Sliced Bread.
The Story of Starlight
Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre began as a dream in the 1920s and became a beloved cultural landmark in 1950. Discover how this open-air venue evolved into a local tradition, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and community events for 75 years.
The Story of Walt Disney in Kansas City
Explore the untold story of Walt Disney's early years in Kansas City, where the budding animator's dreams took flight. Discover how this heartland city became the backdrop for Disney's creative journey, ultimately shaping his global magical empire.
The Story of Harvey the Rabbit at Municipal Stadium
Meet Harvey, the mechanical rabbit who delivered baseballs to umpires at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium in the 1960s. Created by A’s owner Charlie Finley, Harvey became a beloved and quirky icon of Kansas City baseball history.
The Story of the World’s Largest Shuttlecocks
Discover the story behind the giant shuttlecock sculptures on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art—how they were designed, built, and installed as a playful reimagining of public art in Kansas City.
The Story of Jackie Robinson & the KC Monarchs
Jackie Robinson spent a brief but significant part of his baseball career with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945, a key step on his path to breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers.