Johnson County, Kansas

Johnson County (standard abbreviation: JO) is a county located in the state of Kansas. As of 2000, the population is 451,086. The county seat is Olathe. Johnson County has the 62nd highest median household income and 43rd highest per-person income in the United States and the highest median household income in Kansas. Most of Johnson County is suburban, being part of the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.

History

Johnson County is named for Rev. Thomas Johnson. The Santa Fe Trail, originating in nearby Independence, Missouri, passed through the county. The renowned gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok settled for a time in the county, becoming constable of Monticello Township in 1858. The county was largely rural until the early 20th Century, when communities such as Overland Park and Mission Hills were developed as suburbs of Kansas City, Missouri. Suburban development boomed after World War II and the later desegregation of the Kansas City, Missouri, schools.

Related Topics:
Thomas Johnson - Santa Fe Trail - Independence, Missouri - Wild Bill Hickok - 20th Century - Overland Park - Mission Hills - Kansas City, Missouri - World War II - Desegregation

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