Despite the ever-consuming urban sprawl of the Greater Kansas City area, a slice of Missouri’s agricultural history lies in the Northeast corner of the metropolis. Situated between massive housing developments and shopping malls are the last 33 acres spared of the Woodneath property.
Originally named the Elbridge Arnold Homestead for its founder, the Pre-Civil War farmstead stretched across 240 acres, specializing in hemp, corn, various livestock, and was operated with slave labor.
The Woodneath Story Center, found in the original 1856 farmhouse, considers it a personal mission to preserve the rich history of the grounds. Farm Talk toured the premises, now home to a state-of-the-art library, with Story Center Director, Dr. Mark Livengood…