TWO KANSAS CITIES

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 16, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 48.

TWO KANSAS CITIES.

A GREAT deal of confusion exists in the country outside of Kansas, as to whether Kansas City is in Kansas or Missouri, or both, because it is as often located in one as in the other State. A correspondent of the New York Evangelist tries to clear up the confusion by the following explanation:—

The distinction between Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, is simply compelled by the necessity of the distinction of the two States. For every social, religious, and commercial purpose, the cities are one. The earlier name of Kansas City, Kansas, was Wyandotte; but a few years ago the legislature of Kansas consolidated Wyandotte, Armstrong, and Armourdale into one corporation, under the name of Kansas City, Kansas. A very large proportion of the packing business is on the Kansas side of the line; so that while in the bank balances the business shows to the credit of Kansas City, Missouri, the real business is in Kansas City, Kansas. The cable-car system, running as it does through both, makes them for every purpose and convenience one great city. Recently this cable-car system has reached the higher bluff land west of the Missouri and Kaw Rivers; and much of the finest residence property of the future is to be found on that side. The prevailing winds leave it clear of the city's smoke, and the Kansas prohibitory law leaves it clear of saloons; and betwixt the two, it is quite a desirable region both for quiet residences and for manufacturing enterprises that prefer sober workmen.