History

Olathe means beautiful and so is the city of Olathe. This city is also the county seat of affluent Johnson County and is located around 20 miles southwest of Kansas City. With a history of over 150 years it has prospered over the years. With a population of over 102,000, Olathe is one of the fastest growing cities in Kansas City.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 created the Kansas Territory, opening the land to pre-emption by home seekers of European descent from the more heavily populated states. Counties were formed late in 1855. The city of Olathe was established in 1857 and around the same time Dr. John Barton, a Virginia physician, settled here. It was a turbulent time then due to the Civil War. The city saw residents coming to Olathe for different purposes: while some came to make it a new home others came for battle, John Brown of Harpers Ferry is an example or warriors. The fighting started in Kansas four years before the start of the Civil War. Since Olathe was only 10 miles west of the Missouri border, William Quantrill and his raiders invaded Olathe in 1862, destroying much of the town and killing half-dozen men. At one time more than 15,000 Union solders were camped along Mill Creek in central Olathe. After the war, Olathe became a major stop along the Santa Fe Trail. As many as 600 wagons a week traveled through Olathe on the way toward the gold fields and farming settlements in the far west. Pioneer settler James Beatty Mahaffie built a house in 1863, which he and his family later operated as a stagecoach stop. The Mahaffie farm was the first stop for stagecoaches traveling from Westport, Missouri on the Santa Fe Trail. The two-story native limestone house and several outbuildings have been restored, and the 23 acre farmstead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Olathe is proud of its historical and cultural heritage. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm, as well as the historic Olathe Memorial Cemetery with its inspiring Civil War Circle, and large old homes along tree-lined Park and Loula Streets, are all part of a rich and powerful history.

Money Magazine listed Olathe as the third “hottest” town in central United States in January 2004. Two years later the city was got the 13th rank amongst the Best Small cities to live in the country. A Strategic plan was adopted in 2001 aimed at over all progress of the city in twenty years. In 2005 operations started for the Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS), first one to do that in the country. A redevelopment plan for the highway K-7 started a year later which aimed at the development of 40.5 acres at the northwest corner K-7 and Santa Fe.

Economy

The city has many commercial and industrial parks. Germaine, ALDI, Honeywell and Farmers Insurance are the major companies over here. United States Department of Transportation also has interest in the city as it administers Air Route Traffic Control Center here. The City also houses second busiest Airport in the State.

The estimated median household income in 2007 has risen to around 70,000 from around 60,000 in 2000; indicating that Economy of the city is on the rise. The city community is attracting attentions from all parts of the nation as it presents pro-growth business environment, cooperative planning and dynamic feeling of community. Located around twenty miles away from Kansas City it is in the center of the national transportation network. Due to its central location, excellent transportation network, recognized school system and motivated population presents great business and economic environment.

The business Community in Olathe is being helped by the Olathe Chambers of Commerce; voted as the “Best Chambers Of Commerce” by the National Association for Membership Development. Established in 1921; this is the largest chamber in Johnson County and has over 1700 memberships. The Chamber of commerce has Dynamic Economic Development Department with 2000 industrial and office space.

Major attractions in Olathe

Ensor Park and Museum

It is a seasonal museum devoted to the teachers, craftsman and amateur radio operator, Marshal Ensor. This museum occupies the Ensor family farm building and around eight acres of the former farm.

Ernie Miller Nature Center and Park

This is spread in over 113 acres with an outdoor amphitheater, large stream aquarium, bird feeder court etc. Over 170 species of birds come to this Nature Center during the various season during a year.

Penguin Playground

It is a family Christmas display with over 150 lighted figures. It is one of the largest Christmas display in the Kansas City Area.

Merra Museum of Deaf History

Devoted to the Deaf culture the museum has two exhibit halls. This is devoted to those who have been deaf from birth.

Advanced Laser Tag

It has two story and 6,000 square foot tag arena with an observation deck. You can enjoy a new laser tag game every 15 minutes.