*Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO*

Kansas City, Missouri, holds a cherished tradition that has spanned over a century—the American Royal. From its humble beginnings as the National Hereford Show in 1899 to its current status as a multi-faceted extravaganza of livestock exhibitions, horse shows, rodeos, and the world's largest barbecue competition, the American Royal has woven itself into the very fabric of Kansas City's history and identity.

The Birth of a Tradition

*1899 National Hereford Exhibition Advertisement*

The story of the American Royal began in October 1899 when the National Hereford Show graced the grounds of the Kansas City Stockyards. This event marked the first nationwide show for the exhibition and sale of purebred cattle, featuring an impressive 541 registered Herefords. A remarkable 300 of these Herefords were sold, fetching an average price of $334—a substantial sum at the time. With an estimated attendance of 55,000, it was clear that this show had struck a chord with the people of Kansas City.

The show initially unfolded within a massive circus tent, as the Kansas City Stockyards served as the agricultural hub of the Midwest. However, as the show's popularity soared, it quickly outgrew its humble beginnings. In 1908, the Kansas City Stockyards erected a permanent structure to house the American Royal, setting the stage for decades of growth and evolution.

In 1902, the show officially adopted the name "American Royal" after C.F. Curtiss, the dean of agriculture at the Iowa State College of Agriculture, drew parallels between this American event and the prestigious British Royal Agricultural Fair. The American Royal began to diversify and include more breeds and species, becoming a cherished Kansas City tradition.

In 1905, the first official American Royal Horse Show took place, thanks to the assistance of prominent horse trainer Tom Bass. The following year, Loula Long Combs, a member of a prominent Kansas City family known for their exceptional horses, made her debut at the American Royal Horse Show. Her impressive performances, often accompanied by her Boston bulldogs, earned her standing ovations. Loula continued to compete for over five decades, becoming an iconic figure at the American Royal.

Rodeos, Barbecue, and Education

*1950: View of floor show. Courtesy: MVSC.*

Over the years, the American Royal expanded its offerings. In 1949, the first American Royal Rodeo was held, alongside the dairy show during the spring season. Although the rodeo and dairy show were briefly discontinued in 1951, the rodeo made a triumphant return in 1965, initially as a spring activity. However, in 1976, the rodeo moved to the fall season, now bearing the prestigious PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) sanction. The rodeo often featured star-studded concerts, with legendary country artists like Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, and Garth Brooks gracing the stage.

In 1980, the American Royal introduced its first Barbecue Contest, which quickly gained popularity. By 1998, it had officially become "The World's Largest Barbecue," attracting 340 competing teams. Today, The World Series of Barbecue® serves as the American Royal's largest fundraiser.

*1950: American Royal Building Entrance*

Education has always been a core aspect of the American Royal's mission. In the 1980s, the organization renewed its commitment to educational programs. The American Royal Queen Contest evolved into the American Royal Student Ambassadors program, selecting exemplary students from across the country who embody the values of the American Royal—scholarship, leadership, and advocacy for the food and fiber industry. The School Tours program, the largest American Royal education event, has educated over 4,000 students from the Kansas City Metro area for over 30 years, offering them insights into the world of agriculture through educational exhibits and youth rodeo performances.

A Timeless Tradition

For over a century, the American Royal has been an integral part of Kansas City's history and identity. It began under a circus tent with the National Hereford Show and has evolved into one of the nation's largest livestock shows, featuring a diverse array of events, competitions, and educational programs.

The American Royal's roots are deeply intertwined with the Kansas City Stockyards, with the Stockyards Company providing leadership, financing, and housing for the event during its formative years. The American Royal became a vital extension of the Kansas City market and the Stock Yards Company's mission to promote livestock shows and sales.

*1992: view of new complex. Courtesy MVSC.*

In 1991, the Kansas City Stockyards closed its doors, but the American Royal continued to thrive. In 1992, a new complex replaced the outdated facilities, designed by the engineering firm Black and Veatch and constructed by Walton Construction. The complex includes a museum, exhibition halls, Hale Arena, a theater, a restaurant, and administrative offices.

Today, the American Royal is poised for a new chapter as it plans to move to a new event center in Wyandotte County, Kansas. This state-of-the-art agricultural showcase promises to provide even larger facilities and opportunities for the future.

As it has for the past 120 years, the American Royal remains dedicated to the promotion and education of agriculture and the people who make it thrive. This enduring commitment ensures that the tradition of the American Royal will continue to flourish and inspire generations to come, preserving its place as a cherished part of Kansas City's heritage.