Being the farthest “West Town” in the United States at the time, it was founded sometime between the late 1830’s and 1860’s. Weston was the 2nd largest port on the Missouri river. In 1850, while over 260 boats a year docked at the port of Weston, its population soared to over 5000 people. Weston was the last town wagon trains could stock up in after crossing the Missouri River before entering the wilderness as they continued westward effectively creating a lot of revenue for Weston. The town was built in the valley of the bluffs of the Missouri River and was the first city founded in the six county Platte Purchase area, giving it the nickname of “Queen of the Platte”. Bela Hughes, a young lawyer from Kentucky, used his influence to attract the most promising settlers to the area including those of German and French descent. Many of these migrants came all the way from Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois. The southern hemp and tobacco growers poured into the area to farm the fertile soil. In 1855 a deadly fire nearly wiped Weston off the map, along with a deadly outbreak of cholera. In 1858, a flood crippled steamboat trade for months and wiped out the port all together. After the Civil War, the town declined to about 1000 residents. Through the years, tobacco has become a very important cash crop for Weston and Platte County. The annual tobacco yield before 1861 was 25 million pounds and Weston developed the only tobacco market west of the Mississippi until 2001. Today, about 2.8 million pounds of tobacco is grown annually in Platte County. In 1881, the fickle river dealt, what many believed to be its deathblow, after flooding and slipping into an old channel 2 miles west, effectively leaving Weston behind. However, Weston persevered with some saying Weston was better off. In 1950, an appreciation of its rich history surfaced. The Weston Historical Museum was founded in 1960 and many of the more than 100 antebellum homes began to be restored to their original condition. Today much of its heritage and traditions continue and remain a common thread among its residents. Weston offers a wide variety of conveniences including: a park that has a playground, a gazebo, picnic tables, grills and tennis and basketball courts; annual festivals including the Weston Irish Festival, the Weston Applefest, a ghost walk and much more. The Weston Bend State Park is nearby, offering scenic trails with a lookout point and camping. Weston is located approximately 40 minutes northwest of downtown Kansas City.