Past to Present - 1900 to Today

Weston Patriotism

Weston’s citizens joined the United States’ call to arms in World Wars I and II. Parades demonstrated patriotism and anxious families made the requisite sacrifices at home. Weston participated in Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more. Today, a marker at the entrance to the Post Office commemorates Weston’s veterans in war and peace. Many of Weston’s sons and daughters serve today in multiple services and positions.

120 plus years of Change and the people who adapt to it

The Missouri River abandoned Weston when the floodwaters of 1881 receded and closed the once busy port. The town lost most of its population of 5,000 to work and education opportunities elsewhere.  A smaller Weston settled into a mostly agricultural community.

Churches and schools were the main social avenues. Weston had a movie theater, restaurants, the St. George hotel, and all the local businesses to keep a small Midwestern town thriving. Vocations of the residents through the years included farmers, bankers, teachers, talented tradespeople who grew to master the changing technologies, physicians, and dentists.

As transportation modes changed, stables became garages and vocations moved from animal husbandry to servicing automobiles. 

In the late 70s and early 80s, modern settlers moved to Weston. They were attracted by the small-town values and excellent schools. The quaint Main Street 19th century facades- mostly unchanged since the River changed course in 1881- added to the town’s charm.

The Iatan power plant, built-in 1980, brought in employees who stayed and an influx of taxes to raise the already good quality of the schools and the town infrastructure. A second Iatan plant construction phase in 2007 brought further tax revenue to Weston for multiple upgrades to West Platte RII schools, the West Platte Fire Protection District, and local charities.

Weston’s location across the Missouri River from Ft. Leavenworth and the Army College located there, brought in temporary and then permanent residents as the soldiers found Weston to be a family-friendly place with outstanding schools and welcoming civic pride.

Wineries and breweries opened in Weston and added to the well-known and established McCormick Distillery, adult beverages that are shipped beyond Weston and attract tourism. Orchards, vineyards, truck farming, and a Christmas tree farm continue to pull in visitors from a four-state area to stay in multiple bed & breakfasts. Excellent restaurants from award winning to casual are enjoyed by patrons from a 4 state area. A ski resort in the bluffs close to Iatan and a few miles from Weston is a popular winter destination.

Perfectly situated between Kansas City to the south and St. Joseph to the north on I-29 with the Kansas City International airport only 20 minutes away; today’s families make Weston their home while working locally or commuting to other cities and towns in the area and beyond.