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Kansas City Reveals Enslaved People’s Histories at Majors House

Historic Alexander Majors House in Kansas City

News Summary

Kansas City is shedding light on the lives of enslaved individuals who inhabited the Alexander Majors House, built in 1856. Recent research has unearthed the names and details of those who lived and worked on this site, emphasizing the often-overlooked roles they played in history. The Wornall/Majors House Museums is dedicated to educating the public about this complex narrative, which includes plans for future memorials and a searchable database to honor their memory.

Kansas City Uncovers Hidden Histories of Enslaved People at Alexander Majors House

Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as new research from the Wornall/Majors House Museums sheds light on the lives of enslaved individuals who once inhabited the Alexander Majors House. Built back in 1856 by enslaved people, this historic structure can be found off the busy State Line Road, right next to an office building, blending history with the present.

A Glimpse into the Past

Leawood and south Kansas City, where the Majors House stands, was mostly made up of wide-open prairie at that time. Fast forward to today, and it seems astonishing that up to 22 Black people were forced to live and work on this property, toiling under the watchful eye of Alexander Majors, the Pony Express founder. Yes, this is the same man known for revolutionary mail delivery, but his legacy now comes with a more complex history.

This spring, the executive director of the Wornall/Majors House Museums, Sarah Bader-King, stumbled upon property records that opened a brand-new chapter in this story. Her discovery revealed the names and ages of nine enslaved individuals listed from 1860. Get ready for this—

Amos, aged 45
Henry, aged 45
Sarah, aged 32
Charles, aged 30
John, aged 25
John, aged 21
Thomas, aged 21
Little John, aged 18
Milly, aged 12

Can you imagine the emotions that flooded Bader-King upon uncovering these names? It’s a rollercoaster of disbelief and shock, a sharp reminder of the lives that were intertwined with this historic place.

Bringing History into Focus

The Wornall/Majors House Museums is a small, dedicated nonprofit with just three staff members trying to make sense of the past and educate visitors about the lives of those enslaved. Bader-King has emphasized the critical role enslaved people played alongside their enslavers, John Wornall and Alexander Majors. Their histories have often been overlooked, and now it’s time to bring their sacrifices and contributions into the limelight.

The museums were fortunate enough to receive a grant in 2020 aimed at enhancing signage, which ties neatly into the recent findings of four additional enslaved people linked to the Wornall House. The quest for unearthing the Majors’ estate’s complete history has not been easy, as identifying details from the past are often scarce, but Bader-King remains undeterred.

Unearthing Darker Secrets

In a twist that adds depth to this poignant narrative, a disturbing discovery was made in the basement of the Majors house—a metal ring believed to have been used for restraining enslaved individuals. Additionally, an article from the Nebraska City News in 1860 mentioned the escape of six enslaved people from Majors’ property, with a bounty of $1,000 offered for their return. Such details paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by those trapped in a ruthless system.

A Bright Future with New Research

Thanks to a three-year grant from UMKC, the nonprofit plans to forge ahead with their investigative efforts surrounding enslaved individuals in the Kansas City area. The goal is to develop a searchable database containing information on thousands of enslaved people in Jackson County, offering future generations an opportunity to connect with history on a personal level.

Amid all this, plans are also underway to construct a memorial recognizing the lives of the nine individuals whose names were uncovered in the property records. The hope is that this memorial will serve as a reminder of the rich yet painful history that has shaped Kansas City.

As the Wornall/Majors House Museums continue to untangle these complex stories, community members can look forward to learning more about the lives that existed beyond the walls of their homes and offices. History is calling, and now is the time to listen.