Westwood, Kansas, is a small and affluent suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. The city has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century, and it has been a witness to numerous historical events over the years. Here are seven historical events that have taken place near Westwood, Kansas.

1. The Battle of Westport
The Battle of Westport was a Civil War battle that took place on October 23, 1864, near present-day Westport Road in Kansas City, Missouri. The battle was fought between Union forces led by General Samuel R. Curtis and Confederate forces under the command of General Sterling Price. It was the largest battle fought west of the Mississippi River during the Civil War and was a significant turning point in the war.

2. The Kansas City Massacre
The Kansas City Massacre happened on June 17, 1933, at the Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, which is only a few miles away from Westwood. The massacre was a violent confrontation between law enforcement officers and a gang led by Vernon Miller. The gang was attempting to free their leader, Frank Nash, from the custody of the FBI. The incident resulted in the deaths of four law enforcement officers and one criminal.

3. The Kansas-Missouri Border War
The Kansas-Missouri Border War was a series of violent conflicts that took place between 1854 and 1861. The conflict arose due to the rivalry between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups in Kansas and Missouri. Westwood was located in the middle of this conflict, and many residents were forced to flee their homes due to the violence.

4. The Spanish Flu Epidemic
The Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-1919 was a global pandemic that infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide, including many in the Kansas City area. The epidemic caused widespread panic, and many businesses and schools in the region were closed down. Hospitals in the area were overwhelmed, and several makeshift hospitals were set up, including one near Westwood.

5. The Kansas City Stockyards
The Kansas City stockyards played a vital role in the economy of the region for over a century. The stockyards were located just a few miles from Westwood and were once the largest stockyards in the world. The stockyards closed down in 1991, and the area has since been repurposed for commercial and residential development.

6. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is located in Abilene, Kansas, about 130 miles west of Westwood. The museum hosts a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the life and presidency of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The museum is a popular attraction for history buffs and tourists alike.

7. The Prohibition Era
The Prohibition era of the 1920s was an important period in American history that had a significant impact on the Kansas City area. During this period, the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol were illegal, yet rampant. Kansas City became a hotbed of illegal alcohol production and distribution, and many prominent gangsters operated in and around the city during this time.

In conclusion, Westwood, Kansas, has been the site of several significant historical events that have had a lasting impact on the region and the country. From Civil War battles to the Prohibition era, the city has been a witness to some of the most pivotal moments in American history.