Lawrence

Lawrence sits in eastern Kansas between two rivers and spreads across gentle hills with residential neighborhoods, university campuses, and public green spaces. The downtown centers on a long main street where shops, theaters, and restaurants line up in buildings made of brick and local limestone.

A company from Boston founded the settlement in 1854 with the goal of establishing Kansas as territory without slavery. During the Civil War, raiders attacked the town and destroyed many buildings, but residents rebuilt everything and the settlement continued to grow.

The city takes its name from a Massachusetts philanthropist who supported the settlement financially, while founders from New England brought their values and ways of life. Today two universities shape the town, with students and faculty walking the streets and filling cafés and bookstores throughout the year.

The main street runs through the center from north to south and offers most shops and restaurants within a few blocks. Buses connect residential areas with the universities and downtown, so visitors can move around without their own vehicle.

The local music scene has produced several nationally known bands that started in small venues and later gained wider attention. Many of these clubs still exist today and offer live music regularly in the downtown area.

Location: Douglas County

Inception: 1854

Elevation above the sea: 264 m

Website: https://lawrenceks.org

GPS coordinates: 38.97167,-95.23528

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01