Near this point John McCoy built a log trading post in 1833 which launched the settlement of Westport, with the town becoming the westernmost point of American civilization. From Westport, the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails reached out as tentacles of the nation's growth, extending to the Pacific Coast and into Mexico. Westport's street's, shops and hotels bustled with traders, trappers, missionaries, Indians and gold prospectors forging west. Kit Carson, Jim Bridger and John Sutter were among those of Westport who earned a place in history.
Across the street north was Harris House, a hotel whose roof was used as an observation post in 1864 by General Samuel Curtis during the Battle of Westport as his Union forces engaged Confederate troops commanded by General Sterling Price.
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Grant
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