Kansas City is a great home to jazz musicians, businesses, and plenty of fountains. We’re full of life, but our history is a wacky one at times. These moments in history and fun facts about our city help give it a little life for those of us who might not be in the know. Have you heard about these little known things about Kansas City? They probably don’t teach them in school!
- The Arrowhead Stadium scoreboard was the first to have instant replay.
Chris Murphy/Flickr This one might be a little more common knowledge to hardcore fans, but most people we asked had never heard this before!
- The Plaza lights we all love started with a humble display of 16 lights over a doorway.
Kristen C/Flickr In 1925, that little string of lights had no idea it would soon start a yearly tradition beloved by all.
- There were 86 factories were manufacturing garments in Kansas City by the late 1940s.
Noah Jeppson/Flickr Odds are, if you bought retail clothes during that time period, part of your wardrobe was made right in Kansas City.
- Kansas City’s Union Station was the site of a shootout between Pretty Boy Floyd and several law enforcement officers.
Vincent Parsons/Flickr In 1933, Floyd was known far and wide for bank robbery, but this shootout was a high point in his local infamy.
- The Kansas City Royals got their name from The American Royal.
Vincent Parsons/Flickr It’s a livestock show that’s been held in KC since 1899.
- The Country Club Plaza was the country’s first suburban shopping district.
David Wilson/Flickr If it opened in 1922, can you imagine how low the prices were compared to today? They served 75-cent cocktails!
- Harry S. Truman owned a Kansas City haberdashery before he went into politics.
Jean-Francois Phillips/Flickr A haberdashery is like a little tailor shop, selling bits of fabric, ribbon, buttons, sewing tools, and the like.
- “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck was banned in Kansas City, KS in 1939.
alaina buzas/Flickr Some considered him a communist and his book was burned (sometimes literally) across the country.
- Kansas City mostly ignored Prohibition laws.
m01229/Flickr We had all sorts of brothels, jazz clubs, and bars around town during the era.
- KC Masterpiece sauce is, indeed, from here.
KC Masterpiece Facebook And it was created by a local psychiatrist! I wonder what inspired them…
- We have more barbecue restaurants per capita than anywhere else in America.
jpellgen (@1179_jp)/Flickr This one is to be expected, but who can blame us? We love our barbecue!
Do you know of other fun facts about Kansas City that you would add to this list? What tidbits of trivia are your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Chris Murphy/Flickr
This one might be a little more common knowledge to hardcore fans, but most people we asked had never heard this before!
Kristen C/Flickr
In 1925, that little string of lights had no idea it would soon start a yearly tradition beloved by all.
Noah Jeppson/Flickr
Odds are, if you bought retail clothes during that time period, part of your wardrobe was made right in Kansas City.
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
In 1933, Floyd was known far and wide for bank robbery, but this shootout was a high point in his local infamy.
It’s a livestock show that’s been held in KC since 1899.
David Wilson/Flickr
If it opened in 1922, can you imagine how low the prices were compared to today? They served 75-cent cocktails!
Jean-Francois Phillips/Flickr
A haberdashery is like a little tailor shop, selling bits of fabric, ribbon, buttons, sewing tools, and the like.
alaina buzas/Flickr
Some considered him a communist and his book was burned (sometimes literally) across the country.
m01229/Flickr
We had all sorts of brothels, jazz clubs, and bars around town during the era.
KC Masterpiece Facebook
And it was created by a local psychiatrist! I wonder what inspired them…
jpellgen (@1179_jp)/Flickr
This one is to be expected, but who can blame us? We love our barbecue!
If you like reminiscing on our history, you might also enjoy these vintage photos that show what’s changed… and what has always been the same.
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