Anthology of Argentine by basstbn
Argentine, another neighborhood with its own identity and history, was an independent city until it was incorporated into Kansas City, Kansas, in 1910. It's name is derived from a prosperous silver smelting plant, now long-closed. One part of Argentine is still known as Silver City. Prior to that, the land was part of the Shawnee Indian reservation, and the grave of the great Shawnee prophet Tensquatawa is located on private property within the city.This amazing mural traces the history of Argentine from the Hopewells, the earliest known Indian tribe in the area, to contemporary times. The mural is 200 yards long (equivalent to two football fields), and varies slightly in height according to the terrain of the hill behind it, but for the most part is 30 foot tall. I was shocked when I first saw it, not expecting anything so overwhelming in size and scope.
Jesus Ortiz served as art director for the project, assisted by a team of six artists from Kansas City and Mexico. It was dedicated in August of 1998.
In addition to the photos here, I have entered a travelogue with photos of the wall, including some details. Whenever possible, I have entered an explanation of the photo.
