Kansas Citians who seized an opportunity were sometimes able to build empires. Those willing to take a chance, make quick decisions, determine a public need, or stick to a successful philosophy were able to launch themselves to the top and stand the test of time. The business climate of Kansas City played a part in the success of these historic businesses. In the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, Kansas City was in turn a river town teaming with western pioneers, a railroad town bustling with new urbanites, and a city crisscrossed by streetcars.