Olathe is the fifth most densely populated city in Kansas and a suburb of Kansas City. According to the 2010 Census, Olathe has almost 126,000 citizens who live in a city rated by both CNN/Money and Money Magazine in 2008 as number 11 out of the Best 100 Cities to Live in the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau named the city as number 24 on the list of cities growing at the fastest pace in America in 2008.
Those moving to Olathe will discover an area with affordable and high quality housing, excellent schools, safety and the friendliness of its citizens have attracted many new families to the area.
Economy:
The economy of Olathe is based on industry and commerce and the fields of science. Notable companies offering employment and adding to the city's coffers are Husqvarna, Honeywell, ALDI, the Farmers Insurance Group and Johnson County Executive Airport which is maintained and administered by the UN Department of Transportation as an Air Route Traffic Control Center.
History:
Olathe was established in 1857 and made county seat in 1859 because of its rapid growth. The early days of the city were marked by violence between abolitionists and pro-slavery forces. The Interstate Highway built in the 1950s and later the I-35 provided easy access to Kansas City thus stimulating the expansion of the city.
Tourism:
No tourist to Olathe should miss a visit to Mahaffie Stagecoach House. This listed historic site provided travelers on the Sante Fe Trail with food and supplies and today the staff, dressed in period costume, offer stagecoach rides, special Wild West Days and reenactments of periods during the Civil War.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous parks and lakes and the hiking and biking paths, all set in a green area of 1,809 acres.