(Main Marker)
Originally used as an outfitting store for wagon trains, this building was completed in 1850 by Indian traders George and William Ewing and was sold in 1854 to Albert Gallatin Boone for $7,000. Boone operated the store from 1854 to 1859.
Born in Kentucky in 1806, Boone was a mountain man, trader, and grandson of the famous Daniel Boone. In 1838, he received a license to trade with the Delaware, Kansa, Shawnee and Kickapoo tribes. His ability to speak fluent French, Spanish and all of the major Indian languages led later to his serving as Indian agent and as commissioner to negotiate with the Sioux after the defeat of Lt. Col. George A. Custer at Little Big Horn.
In 1904 the Wiedenmann family bought the building and opened a grocery store. In 1947 Randal Kelly, an immigrant from Ireland, leased the building to open Kelly's Westport Inn. In 1995 the Kelly family purchased the building.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Albert G. Boone Store is one of the oldest commercial brick buildings in Kansas City and played an important role in the Western trade and migration on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails on which Westport was strategically located.
(Upper Left Marker)
Randall Kelly (1905-1988) hailed from County Clare, Ireland and dreamed of running "an honest workingman's pub." For 41 years his friendliness, generosity and Irish wit were the heart of this legendary landmark known throughout Kansas City as "Kelly's." His Charities were countless, his honors, many. To his family, friends and community, he has left a legacy of laughter and love which we commemorate today, April 16, 1989.
Thomas Hart Benton Associates
(Lower Left Marker)
He disdained, without malice, high society
which he regarded as "froth on a glass of beer" but
he deeply loved what he called the "solid underneath layer"
of common folk and his fellow man.
"Bourbon and branch" was his drink.
Today April 15, 1984, at the Kelly's Westport Inn, we
commemorate the great American painter, Tom Benton,
on his 95th Birthday.
Thomas Hart Benton Associates
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