Kansas at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers and was
incorporated in its present form in 1853. Situated opposite Kansas City,
Kansas, the city was the location of several battles during the Civil War,
including the Battle of Westport. The city is well known for its contributions
to the musical styles of jazz and blues as well as to cuisine, notably Kansas
City-style barbecue. In March 2012, downtown Kansas City was selected as one of
America's best downtowns by Forbes
magazine for its rich culture in arts, numerous fountains, upscale shopping and
various local cuisine – most notably barbecue
