Colonel John Harris and his wife Henrietta moved from Kentucky to the Westport area in 1832. Their initial settlement was a modest four-room log house located on what is now 39th Street and Gillham Road. The Harrises quickly became integral members of the Westport community, contributing significantly to its development. John’s early success came from buying and selling land, which laid the foundation for the family’s prosperity.

 By 1847, John had acquired the McGee Tavern, transforming it into the Harris House Hotel. This establishment quickly became a central hub for traders, trappers, and settlers navigating the Santa Fe Trail. The hotel hosted notable guests, including General John C. Fremont and Kit Carson, highlighting its importance in the region. The Harris family’s influence in Westport’s social and economic spheres grew, solidifying their status as key figures in the community.

 In 1855, John and Henrietta constructed a grand two-story brick house, known as the “Mansion House,” on a ridge just east of town. This impressive Greek Revival residence was built using bricks and millwork crafted on-site by enslaved African Americans. The mansion overlooked the busy trails leading west, symbolizing the family’s success and prominence.

The Harris-Kearney House became a cultural landmark, reflecting the values and lifestyle of 19th-century Westport. Henrietta, known for her puritanical views, forbade dancing in their establishment, aligning with the local Baptist, Methodist, and Quaker missionaries who worked to minister to and “civilize” the Shawnee Indians in Kansas.

 The Harris family’s story is deeply intertwined with Westport’s growth and evolution, illustrating their significant role in shaping the area’s history and cultural landscape.

During the Civil War, the Harris-Kearney House found itself amid the Battle of Westport and played a significant role in the conflict. During the Battle of Westport, cannon fire damaged or destroyed many buildings in the area, and the house served as a headquarters for Union forces, including Major General Samuel Ryan Curtis, who used the Harris House Hotel as his field command post.

This strategic location proved valuable during this critical engagement, often referred to as the “Gettysburg of the West,” which marked a significant turning point in the Civil War’s Western front, leaving a lasting impact on the house and its surroundings.

The Westport Historical Society has played a crucial role in preserving the Harris-Kearney House. Since taking over the management of the house in 1976, the society has restored much of it to its 1855 appearance and transformed it into a museum and educational resource.

The society offers tours and programs that provide insights into pre-Civil War life and the house’s historical significance. Working closely with the community and local businesses, the Westport Historical Society ensures the preservation of Westport’s storied history.