History of Overland Park
The city traces its roots back to 1905 with the arrival of its founder William B. Strang Jr., who platted subdivisions, including one named "Overland Park," along a military roadway.
Strang envisioned a self-sustaining, well planned "park-like" community that had strong commerce, quality education, vibrant neighborhoods, convenient transportation and accommodating recreational facilities - all amenities that today, make Overland Park one of the best places to live and grow up.
Before Strang's death in 1921, he established several housing developments, an interurban railroad and an airfield. Remnants of his interurban line remain today as do his limestone car barn, 79th and Santa Fe Drive (home to Traditions Furniture), and his Carriage House in Santa Fe Commons Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive (home to the Overland Park Historical Society).
On May 20, 1960, Overland Park was incorporated as a first-class city with a population of 28,085. The nationally-recognized city now encompasses 73.33 square miles of Johnson County in suburban Kansas City, and has more than 170,000 residents, making it the second most populous city in Kansas.
Prior to incorporation, Overland Park was part of the Mission Urban Township, which included the cities of Mission and Prairie Village. Overland Park's formation was based on land other communities shunned.
Major development since incorporation
- 1960s and 1970s: Corporate Woods, Metcalf South Shopping Center, Oak Park Mall and the Children's Farmstead opened, along with a new City Hall and many residential subdivisions.
- 1980s: Overland Park experienced a boom in commercial and residential development. By 1988, the city's population surpassed 100,000.
- Early 1990s: City officials focused their efforts on renovating the historic downtown area. The Clock Tower Plaza was dedicated and the Farmer's Market Pavilion was constructed.
- 2000s: Overland Park continues to have a thriving economy and welcomes new businesses regularly.
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