The West Bottoms was developed in the 1860’s. Economic growth was stimulated by the implementation of the railroads and the convergence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. The West Bottoms, with the help of the railroads and industrial revolution allowed for the livestock exchange to become the distribution center of the Midwest. In 1903 a flood devastated this area, housing moved out and the area was rebuilt towards industrial usage. Commerce boomed in Kansas City in 1910 after the Livestock Exchange Building was built. One of the largest buildings in the world and the biggest in Kansas City, it included 475 offices. The West Bottoms is also home to many popular haunted houses that have been around since the 1970’s and continue to thrive today. The American Royal began in 1899 as the National Hereford Show. It was the first nationwide exhibition for the sale of purebred cattle. It has grown to now include horse shows, a nationwide BBQ contest (the largest in the world), a rodeo and an annual parade. Another Flood in 1951 devastated this area to the point that no new investment in the area was taking place, leading those to believe this area was abandoned. Not until the 1990’s did hope begin to rise for this historic area, yet again. With legislation making this a historic district, zoning then allowed for government funds to help protect and preserve the West Bottoms. Many of the old buildings are being revitalized with many unique shopping opportunities during First Friday events, the continued Halloween haunted houses still thrive, car shows and many other wonderful events. This area is located about 5 minutes southwest of downtown Kansas City.