Olathe

Olathe is a county seat in Johnson County, Kansas, located about 20 miles southwest of Kansas City. The city spreads across residential neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas with wide roads and scattered retail centers.

Founded in 1857, the settlement served as a rest stop along the Santa Fe Trail for travelers and merchants. A school for deaf children opened in 1866 and shaped the development of the town for over a century.

The name comes from the Shawnee language and means beautiful, a reference still visible on public buildings and street signs. The deaf education community shapes daily life through specialized facilities and regular events that visitors can witness.

Most attractions and facilities sit along main roads that are best reached by car. Parking is available at public buildings and shopping centers.

A 19th-century stagecoach station still operates today and offers coach rides for visitors. The farm displays agricultural tools and livestock once common along the trade route.

Location: Johnson County

Inception: 1857

Elevation above the sea: 315 m

Website: https://olatheks.org

GPS coordinates: 38.88080,-94.80310

Latest update: December 12, 2025 03:34