The Smoke-Shrouded History of Kansas City 'Q 

This history of barbeque in Kansas City is the history of people on the move.  If you haven't yet, please read my study on the history of the word BARBEQUE.  It explains how - and why - this savory Q'uisine was born in Texas, almost of necessity.  Cattle, cowboys, and their chuck-wagon campfires headed up the Chisolm trail to catch a train back east (at least the cattle did).  Two trails, cattle and cattle cars, colliding.  A third trail was heading east to west, by sea if not by land.  Although he was probably not alone, Memphis native Henry Perry immigrated to KC via steamships plying the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.  As early as 1908, Perry is credited with popularizing smoked ribs and creating a taste that has flourished in The River City for a solid, smoky century.

"There has been so much said, and, on the whole, so well said,
that I will not occupy the time."
Edward Everett Hale (My Double; And How He Undid Me - a must-read)

There are several KC'Q histories readily available so I'll not re-plow even this so-fertile ground at length.  Here are some links to quality below resources. The rest is up to you...

Wiki article on KC'Q

Wiki article on "barbecue" (intentionally misspelled)

Amazing Ribs' expansive, worldwide history (quite nice)

"Best Barbecue In Kansas City" (several interesting videos)

Barbeque Kansas City! (several articles here, all worth a read)

If you find a history of 'Q that you just can't sleep until it appears here... maybe you need to simmer down.  Nonetheless, send me a note and we'll see if I am as blown away as you.