Battle of Westport Visitor Center and Museum

Battle of Westport Visitor Center

Visitor Center Museum 6601 Swope Parkway Kansas City, MO

Visitor Center ~ Hours of Operation April 2011 - October 2011: Thursday-Saturday 1-5 p.m.

Admission No admission fees. Donations are accepted and appreciated.

Contact Us
Monnett Battle of Westport Fund 6900 College Boulevard, Suite 510, Overland Park, KS 66211
Phone: (913) 345-2000
Fax: (913) 345-2081
Email: battleofwestport1864@yahoo.com

The Battle of Westport Visitor Center and Museum in Swope Park tells the story of the stirring events of the Battle of Westport, the largest Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi.

Battle of Westport Visitor Center in Swope Park

The Visitor Center overlooks the Big Blue River valley and the nearby historic Byram's Ford crossing. The vista from the center sweeps across the fields to the river where war raged nearly 150 years ago.

The Center, which opened in October 2008, depicts the experiences of the soldiers and civilians caught in the vortex of war during the three days of the battle on October 21-23, 1864. Visitors learn about the most dramatic event in Kansas City's history.

From the tower of the center, visitors can see the panoramic view where Union General Samuel Curtis constructed a defensive line stretching for ten miles along the banks of the Big Blue River.

From here visitors may also travel along the 32-mile self-guided tour of the Battle of Westport designated by the Monnett Battle of Westport Fund markers. The Battle of Westport covered more than 25 square miles during the three days in October 1864.

Visitors can trace the route of the armies over the adjacent battlefield surrounding Byram's Ford on the Big Blue River in the Byram's Ford Historic District.

The replica artillery of Pratt's artillery stands on Bloody Hill on the battlefield overlooking the Byram's Ford crossing. This cannon emplacement is located at 4800 E. 63rd Street across the street from the north entrance to Swope Park.