News Summary
Recent historical research has unearthed that ‘Possum Trot’ was a serious contender for the name of Kansas City in the late 1830s. Proposed amidst humorous debates among its founders, this whimsical name reflects Kansas City’s vibrant culture and identity. Despite its playful nature, the alternative moniker highlights the city’s unique historical development and the ongoing fascination surrounding its naming story.
Kansas City – The name of the city known for its jazz, barbecue, and vibrant culture was almost something quite different. Historical research has revealed that “Possum Trot” was a serious contender for the city’s name in the late 1830s, demonstrating the humorous and sometimes contentious debates among the founders of Kansas City.
The city name we now recognize as Kansas City was selected after extensive discourse among its founding members in 1838. John McCoy, an influential businessman and one of the key founders of Westport, spearheaded the purchase of land that lays the foundation for what is now modern downtown Kansas City. Amid this development, a variety of names were proposed, inspired by a Webster’s spelling book, as the founders sought a moniker that reflected the spirit of the place.
Among the suggestions was “Possum Trot,” introduced by Squire Bowers. This name, alongside others such as “Rabbitsville,” was intended as a satirical commentary on the indecision surrounding the naming process. Despite being a favorite among some, “Possum Trot” ultimately lost to Kansas City, likely by a narrow margin. Reports suggest that the decision may have been determined by a single vote, but the lack of conclusive historical evidence leaves this claim open to interpretation.
The one-vote theory seems to trace back to journalist Walt Bodine, whose work in the books “Through the Years with Kansas City” and “Right Here in River City” popularized the idea of a razor-thin win for Kansas City over “Possum Trot.” Historian Tracy Thomas has noted that Bodine’s promotion of this narrative contributes to the ongoing fascination with the anecdote, though it is possibly rooted in critiques of a “small-city mindset” that the story represents.
The existence of “Possum Trot” in local lore reflects the ongoing discussions concerning Kansas City’s identity and its geographical ambiguity as a metropolis straddling the Kansas-Missouri border. While the proposition of an amusing name like “Possum Trot” may evoke laughter, it signifies a deeper connection to Kansas City’s history and development. Today, despite the debates over its name and origins, Kansas City has matured into one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Midwest, with a substantial population and extensive economic influence.
The historical possibility of a name like “Possum Trot” serves not only as an entertaining footnote in the city’s narrative but also as a part of its self-discovery and cultural evolution. As Kansas City continues to grow and thrive through generations, the whimsical notion of “Possum Trot” remains a charming part of its local legend, celebrated and often recounted as a piece of the city’s rich historical tapestry.
In conclusion, while Kansas City has firmly established itself on the map with its current name, the humorous alternative of “Possum Trot” serves as a reminder of the city’s past deliberations and the playful spirit that lies within its history.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 4 KC: Kansas City Name History
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- New York Times: Kansas City
- Google Search: Kansas City History
- Legacy: Mary Truog Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- Kansas City Star: KC News
- Google News: Kansas City Latest
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
