| Official name | City of Kansas City |
| Type | City |
| Kansas City skyline and Union Station | |
| State | Missouri |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1838 |
| Population | 510,000 |
| Area (km²) | 826 |
| Time zone | Central (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 64101–64199 |
| Area code(s) | 816 |
Kansas City is the largest city in the state of Missouri and a major cultural and economic center in the Midwest. Known for its world-famous barbecue, jazz heritage, and impressive fountains, the city straddles the Missouri-Kansas border but is distinct from its smaller neighbor, Kansas City, Kansas.
Overview
- Founded in 1838 and incorporated in 1853
- Located at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers
- Often referred to as “KCMO” to distinguish it from Kansas City, Kansas
Culture and Attractions
- **Jazz** – Home of legends like Charlie Parker and the American Jazz Museum
- **Barbecue** – Famous for slow-smoked, sauce-slathered meats; hosts the American Royal BBQ
- **Country Club Plaza** – the first planned shopping district in the U.S.
- **Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art** – known for its iconic shuttlecock sculptures
- **Union Station**, **Science City**, and the **National WWI Museum and Memorial**
History
- A key gateway during westward expansion via the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails
- Important Civil War and trading post city
- Became a major rail and livestock center in the late 19th century
Economy
- Major sectors: logistics, agriculture, technology, healthcare, architecture, and arts
- Home to major employers like Hallmark, Cerner, H&R Block, and Garmin (metro area)
- Part of the bi-state Kansas City metropolitan area with over 2.2 million people
Sports
- Home to the **Kansas City Chiefs** (NFL) and **Kansas City Royals** (MLB)
- New soccer stadium for the **Kansas City Current** (NWSL) — a national first
- Arrowhead Stadium is among the loudest stadiums in the world
Education
- University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC)
- Rockhurst University, Kansas City Art Institute, and several community colleges
- Vibrant arts and research community
Transportation
- Served by Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
- Amtrak’s **Southwest Chief** stops at Union Station
- Interstates I-70, I-35, and I-435 circle the metro
Fun Facts
- Known as the “City of Fountains” — second only to Rome in number
- Hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Midwest
- The phrase "going postal" was coined after a 1970s incident in KCMO