Lawrence

Lawrence is a city in Douglas County in northeastern Kansas and stretches between the Kansas River to the north and the Wakarusa River to the south. The city includes numerous parks, walking trails, and green spaces spread across the entire urban area.

The New England Emigrant Aid Company founded the city in 1854 amid conflicts over the expansion of slavery into western territories. In 1863, fighters from Missouri attacked the city and burned much of the downtown area, leading to a rebuilding that shaped the street layout visible today.

Massachusetts Street serves as the main downtown corridor and carries shops, restaurants, and bars that bring together student life and local residents. On game days at the university, the downtown area fills with people wearing team colors who walk through the streets before and after events.

Buses connect residential neighborhoods with the University of Kansas campus and downtown areas, with more routes running during the academic semester. Paths along the rivers and through parks work well for walking and cycling, especially in spring and fall.

On the campus of Haskell Indian Nations University stands a wetland area that students and staff use for ceremonies and recreation. The University of Kansas keeps in its collections fossils from the Cretaceous period found in the hills surrounding the city.

Location: Essex County

Inception: 1655

Elevation above the sea: 11 m

Website: http://cityoflawrence.com

GPS coordinates: 42.70694,-71.16361

Latest update: December 13, 2025 06:31