Wettest Block

Kansas City laid claim to the title "Wettest Block in the World" in 1880s. Kansas had voted itself dry in 1881, adopting statewide prohibition. Missouri remained wet. In fact, between Genessee and State Line on 9th Street, 1700 to 1800 West Ninth, became known as the "Wettest Block in the World" The block had a elevated train station that ran above 9th street, which allowed travel into the area. However, the main reason is it's proximity to the State Line where workers in the West Bottoms in Kansas could cross the border for a drink at quitting time. Of the 24 buildings on this block, 23 were either saloons or liquor stores.