Kansas City
(and the greater midwest)
Between the Wars: 1914-1945
Tom Pendergast and his Impact on
Kansas City
Tom Pendergast was one of the few career criminals that saw the true benefit of having the law on his side. Pendergast recognized that he could make more money and garner more power if he found a way to manipulate the political system. Pendergast looked to limit laws and taxes on the various vices he controlled in Kansas City, such as gambling, liquor and prostitution; by getting "his" men elected in local, state and federal elections.
Pendergast and Power
Pendergast and Truman
Tom Pendergast started Harry S. Truman's political career. Pendergast helped Truman both financially and politically secure a local judgeship in Jackson County. His influence can be seen as strongly contributing to Truman's rise in political power.
Pendergast promised to keep his vice operations in one centralized location to secure the happiness and votes of Kansas City residents. Pendergast's control over the politics of Kansas City led to relaxed interpretations of the laws in Kansas City, allowing Kansas City jazz to flourish in places such as 18th and Vine.
Pendergast created his own concrete empire in Kansas City. The owner of several concrete and construction companies, Tom Pendergast secured (through his political ties) many WPA building projects that are to this day Kansas City Landmarks. Some of these buildings/projects include: the Fidelity National Bank & Trust Building, the Kansas City Power & Light building, paving Brush Creek, the Municipal Auditorium, and the Jackson County Courthouse.