The history of Overland Park dates back to the early 1800s. During this time, there was a large city, just above the Kansas-Missouri state line that sprouted and continued to grow exponentially as a major stop for road, railroad, and trail systems. By the start of the 1900s, Kansas was a flourishing metropolitan city whose status had changed to destination from trading post.
In 1905, a gentleman by the name William B Sprang, who was living with a relative at the time, decided to explore the area lying to the West of the City. He discovered all the potential it held as a bedroom community for the larger metropolitan area. A particular piece of land located atop a bluff and owned by several farm families caught his attention. Its close proximity to the city and the fact that it laid on higher ground appealed to him, and he ended up buying the land. Almost immediately, he laid out a series of new communities, and this gave birth to Overland Park, KS.
As the years went by, the city continued to develop and establish itself. By 1980, it had blossomed so much, with increased growth in the industry, the population as well as reputation. Thanks to Sprang and other early inhabitants of the area, Overland Park gradually took shape as a viable entity by merit.
In 1940, a law passed by the Kansas legislature saw Prairie Village, Mission, and Overland Park brought together into an urban township kind of government in a bid to control the increase in population in these areas. This reborn entity (the Mission urban Township), despite being able to form a governmental body, lacked the right to plan or zone independently. The world war struck and hit the region hard in the 1930s and 1940s, but it picked itself up and headed straight in for an economic boost like never before.
The city management has done a great job of conserving the city’s rich heritage just to ensure that locals and visitors can have a great connection with and appreciation of the past. Most ancient buildings have been renovated and converted into amazing historical sites.
Overland Park has appeared on national listings on a regular for its high-quality life, appeal to entrepreneurship, affordable housing, great education, annual events and so much more. Despite the fact that it is a relatively new community, it has a special and mature approach to living and sustainability.
