This Missouri Hotel Was Once the ‘White House of the West’

There are beautiful hotels all across Missouri, but only one is renowned for its role in American history.

The “White House of the West

A new list from Love Exploring highlights hotels across the country where historic events took place, and Missouri’s Hotel Muehlebach in Kansas City made the list. Nicknamed the “White House of the West,” the hotel gained fame as the favorite retreat of President Harry S. Truman, who visited it several times during his political career.

Read More: Architectural Wonder: Missouri's Stunning Building

Read More: America's First Fast-Food Drive-Thru Started in Missouri

The Hotel Muehlebach is also notable as the site where Truman signed the Truman Doctrine, a foreign policy, on May 22, 1947.

Opened in 1915, the hotel was built on the site of the former First Baptist Church, which was demolished to make way for its construction. Beyond its presidential ties, the Muehlebach also became known as the location of the first regular radio program broadcast by a band.

A Hotel Steeped in American Culture

Over the years, many other famous figures have stayed at the hotel, including Roy Disney, Howard Hughes, Gerald Ford, Babe Ruth, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Elvis Presley. It even served as the site of the 1976 Republican National Convention.

Still Open in Downtown Kansas City

Today, the historic hotel is part of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown and remains open for business in the heart of downtown Kansas City. So the next time you find yourself in Kansas City looking for a place to stay, think about the Hotel Muehlebach. You might be staying in a room once used by Elvis, the Beatles, or even a president.