Riverside City History

Riverside’s story seems simple, but actually runs deep, like the nearby Missouri River.

In 2001, the City of Riverside celebrated its 50th anniversary. Incorporated June 21, 1951, Riverside is formally one of the area's youngest communities. Thanks to a growing industrial park, riverboat casino and high school, Riverside's daytime population exceeds nearly 10,000, but the number of Riverside residents is around 3,000.

The earliest residents, Native Americans, left artifacts in and around Riverside that link direct connections to a civilization nearly 6,000 years old. The earliest Europeans visiting the area include the Lewis and Clark expedition. In the 1840s, settlers began filling Riverside's Line Creek valley and surrounding ridges. From the beginning, the City of Riverside included a uniquely diverse population. Several immigrant families from Germany were leaders in pioneering the area. Later on, many families from Belgium settled in part of Riverside's Missouri River valley, and to this day, it is still called the Belgium Bottoms.

Early Riverside played a key role in some of the metropolitan area's most unusual history. Until the 1930s, Riverside was a main stop on one of the nation's longest electric train routes, the 79-mile Interurban ran from North Kansas City to St. Joseph. Riverside gets its name from several "river side" businesses. One of which is Riverside Park, a genteel horse race venue that was built and operated by Kansas City's infamous Tom Pendergast. Ironically, betting and tax problems contributed to the end of "Boss Tom's" career.

Riverside's unique story continues today. Join us in these pages as we look back on Riverside's surprising history and contemplate its amazing future. This is a journey you will enjoy.
 

About the Riverside City History Project

The City of Riverside bestows a special tribute of thanks to Dale Garrison for his tireless commitment and excellent research on this history documentation. He spent many hours conducting interviews and compiling information. And also a special thanks to Betty Burch who had the foresight to initiate this project and capture Riverside's history for future generations to enjoy.