January 28, 1978

The big Coates House Hotel burned and caused the worst loss of life by fire in Kansas City’s history.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Photo by Mwkruse