West Bottoms

The West Bottoms is a historic neighborhood located in Kansas City, Missouri. Situated at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers, the West Bottoms was once a bustling industrial district, home to meatpacking plants, stockyards, and other manufacturing facilities.

Today, the West Bottoms is known for its unique blend of historic architecture, vintage shops, and trendy restaurants and bars. Many of the old warehouses and factories have been repurposed into loft apartments, art galleries, and event spaces, while the area's iconic brick buildings and cobblestone streets have been preserved to maintain its historic charm.

One of the most popular attractions in the West Bottoms is the First Friday event, which takes place on the first Friday of every month. During this event, many of the area's shops and galleries stay open late, and visitors can enjoy food, drinks, and live music while exploring the neighborhood.

The West Bottoms is also home to several annual events, including the West Bottoms Whiskey Festival, the West Bottoms Reborn Market, and the West Bottoms Flea Market, which is one of the largest vintage and antique markets in the Midwest.

Overall, the West Bottoms is a unique and vibrant neighborhood that offers a glimpse into Kansas City's rich history, while also providing plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The West Bottoms has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the mid-19th century. In the early days, the area was primarily used for farming and agriculture, with many small farms and homesteads scattered throughout the valley.

However, in the 1860s, the Union Pacific Railroad built a large freight depot in the West Bottoms, which spurred the development of the area as a major transportation hub. This, in turn, led to the construction of several meatpacking plants, stockyards, and other industrial facilities, which helped to fuel the growth of Kansas City as a major center of commerce and industry.

By the early 1900s, the West Bottoms had become one of the largest livestock markets in the world, with millions of cattle, hogs, and sheep passing through the area each year. At its peak, the West Bottoms was home to dozens of meatpacking plants and related businesses, which provided employment for thousands of people and helped to make Kansas City one of the most important meatpacking centers in the country.

However, as the meatpacking industry began to decline in the mid-20th century, the West Bottoms began to fall into disrepair. Many of the area's old factories and warehouses were abandoned or demolished, and the neighborhood became known for its rundown and abandoned buildings.

In recent years, however, the West Bottoms has undergone a resurgence, with many of the old buildings being repurposed as apartments, offices, and retail spaces. Today, the neighborhood is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, and its rich history continues to be celebrated through events and festivals that showcase the area's unique heritage.

Public transportation in the West Bottoms is relatively limited compared to some other neighborhoods in Kansas City. The area is served by several bus routes operated by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), including the 35 35th Street, 77 Casino Cruiser, and 106 Quindaro-Argentine routes.

However, the frequency and reliability of these routes may vary, and visitors to the West Bottoms may find that it's more convenient to use a car or ride-sharing service to get around.

Fortunately, the West Bottoms is located close to several major highways, including I-35, I-70, and I-670, which provide easy access to other parts of the city. There are also several parking lots and garages in the area, which can be used by visitors who are driving.

In addition, the West Bottoms is a relatively compact neighborhood, and many of its shops, restaurants, and attractions are within walking distance of each other. So, while public transportation options may be limited, visitors can still easily explore the area on foot.