The Battle of Westport Visitor Center tells the story of the stirring events of the Battle of Westport, the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi. It depicts the experiences of the soldiers and civilians caught in the vortex of war over the three days of October 21 – 23, 1864. Visitors learn about one of the most dramatic events in Kansas City’s history.The Visitor Center overlooks the Big Blue River valley and the nearby historic Byram’s Ford crossing. The vista from the center sweeps across the fields to the river where war raged nearly 150 years ago.Visitors may travel along the 32-mile self-guided tour of the Battle of Westport designated by the Monnett Battle of Westport Fund markers. At the adjacent Big Blue Battlefield and Byram’s Ford Historic District, walk the trail where Confederate wagon trains rumbled, the cavalry charged and the cannons roared. Visit the historic ford and cannon emplacements which evoke the images of soldiers clambering up the steep slopes of Bloody Hill, smoke from the cannon hanging like a fog in the trees. Self-guided walking tours to the Big Blue Battlefield and battlefield sites at Loose Park are available at the visitor center. Ask about guided tours to local battlefield sites.