West 9th St. – Bottoms Flooded

The West Bottoms of Kansas City hasn’t had the best of luck when it comes to Missouri River. The river flooded the area in 1888, 1903 and 1951. The flood of 1888 was so powerful that it actually changed the river’s course. These floods severely “dampened” the West Bottom’s economy. Before 1903, the area held more than 90 percent of Kansas City’s value, but the flood ended all potential for housing and schools. Luckily, the industrial side of the area, meat-packing and agriculture, continued to thrive until the flood of 1951. Enough was enough. Companies relocated. Almost 20 years later, Kemper Arena at 1800 Genessee St. revamped the West Bottoms, luring several more multi-million dollar businesses to the area.