<P> The history of the Kansas City metropolitan area begins in the 19th century as Frenchmen from St. Louis , Missouri moved up the Missouri River to trap for furs and trade with the Native Americans . The Kansas City metropolitan area , straddling the border between Missouri and Kansas at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers , was a strategic point for commerce and security . Kansas City , Missouri was founded in 1838 and defeated its rival Westport to become the predominant city west of St. Louis . The area played a major role in the westward expansion of the United States . The Santa Fe , and Oregon trails ran through the area . In 1854 , when Kansas was opened to Euro - American settlement , the Missouri - Kansas border became the first battlefield in the conflict in the American Civil War . </P>
<P> The history of the Kansas City metropolitan area begins in the 19th century as Frenchmen from St. Louis , Missouri moved up the Missouri River to trap for furs and trade with the Native Americans . The Kansas City metropolitan area , straddling the border between Missouri and Kansas at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers , was a strategic point for commerce and security . Kansas City , Missouri was founded in 1838 and defeated its rival Westport to become the predominant city west of St. Louis . The area played a major role in the westward expansion of the United States . The Santa Fe , and Oregon trails ran through the area . In 1854 , when Kansas was opened to Euro - American settlement , the Missouri - Kansas border became the first battlefield in the conflict in the American Civil War . </P>
did kansas city start in kansas or missouri
did kansas city start in kansas or missouri
Missouri
Missouri