Have you ever thought about where our beautiful city began? Kansas City started using cameras in the mid 1800s, but many photos have been kept private or lost to time. Some of the oldest photos we’ve found include streets and buildings that just aren’t here anymore. Often, the differences across 150 years is shocking. After some digging, we’ve found some of the oldest photos ever taken in Kansas City. Enjoy!
- In 1860, the view from 6th and Main St. looked as simple as this:
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- This one that’s titled “Kansas City and Olathe interurban streetcar, circa 1909”
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- The corner 9th & Wyandotte circa 1870, which was just a scattering of small buildings back then.
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- An 1870 view of Del. St. from 3rd. It looks so empty!
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- This photo of an old Fire Engine is from 1912. At least there wasn’t as much traffic as there is now!
internetarchivebookimages/Flickr I wonder if they used sirens too… or whether they just hollered!
- Here’s the junction of Main and Del. circa 1860.
Wikimedia Commons It’s amazing how much our city’s filled in since then!
- This shot of the West Kansas City railroad that was taken in August 1870.
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- This photo comes from a book titled “Birds of Swope Park in the heart of America, Kansas City, Mo” and was printed in 1920.
internetarchivebookimages/Flickr It sure makes you wonder if this tree is still standing.
- Here’s the west side of Union Street from 8th Street, circa 1880.
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- A view of the Union Depot, circa 1880.
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- Here’s a photo of a busy Walnut Street in 1910. Watch out for the streetcar!
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- This 1878 view is titled “West Kansas from Wyandotte, Kansas City, Missouri, by Bower Bros.”
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- The Kansas City Mining Co. (and workers), circa 1890.
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Do you have any photos of this time period? Share them with us in the comments! Sharing history is the best way to celebrate your roots. For more amazing old photos snapped in Missouri check out this incredible collection of St. Louis’ oldest photos!
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internetarchivebookimages/Flickr
I wonder if they used sirens too… or whether they just hollered!
It’s amazing how much our city’s filled in since then!
It sure makes you wonder if this tree is still standing.
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