National Register Listing

Bellefontaine Avenue Historic District

500-24 Bellefontaine Ave., Kansas City, MO
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture community planning and development
The infamous outlaw Jesse James was born in Clay County, Missouri, in 1847. He later became known for his bank and train robberies and was killed by a member of his own gang in 1882.
Missouri random facts
Jackson County, Missouri, located in the midwestern United States, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Kansas. The first European settlement was established in 1821, and the county was officially organized in 1826, named after President Andrew Jackson.

In the early 19th century, Jackson County became an important starting point for westward expansion and the Oregon Trail. It also played a significant role in the American Civil War. At the outbreak of the war, tensions between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions ran high in the county. As a border county, it experienced violent conflicts, looting, and the devastating guerrilla warfare of the notorious Confederate guerrilla leader, William Quantrill.

After the Civil War, Jackson County saw rapid urbanization and economic growth. Kansas City, the county seat, emerged as a major transportation hub due to its location along the Missouri River and the establishment of railroads in the area. Prosperity continued throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the development of industries such as meatpacking, manufacturing, and agriculture.

In recent years, Jackson County has faced challenges such as urban decay in certain areas and racial segregation. However, ongoing revitalization efforts, including investments in infrastructure and public amenities, have helped to transform the county into a thriving metropolitan area. Today, Jackson County is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, historical landmarks like the Kansas City Union Station, and strong community spirit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jackson County, Missouri.

  • 1826 - Jackson County is established
  • 1830 - Independence becomes the county seat
  • 1834 - The Missouri Mormon War takes place in the county
  • 1862 - During the Civil War, Union forces occupy the county
  • 1881 - The Kansas City, Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad is completed
  • 1901 - The first permanent automobile bridge is built over the Missouri River
  • 1922 - Construction of the Jackson County Courthouse begins
  • 1967 - The Truman Sports Complex is completed
  • 1986 - The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum opens to the public