Overland Park Kansas History

Overland Park was incorporated as a city in May 1960, with a population of 28,000. The city now has over 166,000 residents and is the second most populous city in Kansas. The City of Overland Park traces its roots back to 1905 with the arrival of its founder William B. Strang Jr., who platted subdivisions along a military roadway and envisioned a "park-like" community that was self-sustaining and well planned. Strang platted several subdivisions, and named one "Overland Park." The 1960s and 1970s brought the city Corporate Woods.

In the early 1990s, city officials focused their efforts on renovating the historic downtown area. The Clock Tower Plaza was dedicated and the Farmers' Market Pavilion was constructed.