Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

The Union Cemetery was incorporated by the State of Missouri on November 9, 1857 and the first interment was made in 1858. Many of the graves have been removed from earlier burying grounds whose capacities had been reduced by fatalities of the Cholera Epidemics of the 1848-1851. The Cemetery was the united project of citizens of Kansas City and Westport and so was called Union. The main entrance originally was midway on the toll road joining the towns, now Main Street. Here lie, with their families, founders and builders of Kansas City, Union and Confederate soldiers of the Battle of Westport of 1864, and some who acquired national fame. On March 15, 1937 Kansas City accepted this hallowed ground as a park for rest and contemplation.

One hundred years ago this cemetery was opened by God fearing pioneer citizens of Kansas City and Westport and many of them are buried here. Our city was endowed and greatly enriched because they lived here on behalf of this and future generations. We pay tribute to their lives, sacrifices and accomplishments which have given us our proud heritage of this great city that surrounds their burial grounds. May Almighty God in his infinite wisdom grant them peace and may we always hallow these grounds which have been consecrated with their earthly remains.

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