Something new about something old: Visit a bit of the past at Olathe’s History Plaza

You’ll find something new about something old in Johnson County.

An improvement project has been completed for the History Plaza on the southwest corner of the public square between Johnson County Administration and the Johnson County Courthouse in Olathe. It was a key project for an important spot in the county. The square itself was platted when the city of Olathe was created in 1857.

“Johnson County is an amazing place to live, work and raise a family. That doesn’t happen by accident, and it’s important that we remember and show gratitude to those that came before us,” said Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly.

“Projects like the History Plaza make this accessible and enjoyable. Anyone strolling through Johnson County Square can enjoy the signage and learn something new about our history. The addition of time capsules in the History Plaza, like the one we dedicated during Old Settler’s Day this year, helps tell our story to future generations.”

The History Plaza has two time capsules: The Johnson County Bicentennial Time Capsule and the Johnson County Old Settlers Time Capsule.

The first time capsule was dedicated in 1976 during the nation’s bicentennial. It will be opened in 2076 during the nation’s tricentennial.

The Old Settlers capsule was part of that organization’s 100th anniversary in 1998. That capsule will be open during Olathe’s bicentennial in 2057.

The Old Settlers’ Association began in 1898 as an organization that supports communities. The nonprofit is now known for its annual Old Settlers’ Days held each September.

Dave Cox, the 2024 Old Settlers’ president, remembers when he first saw the plaza project.

“It was a thumbs up,” he said. “The area has a story to tell. It is well worth preserving. This is something very important to our history.”

Other features in the plaza include a sign naming Old Settlers Association presidents from 1898 to present, the Santa Fe Trail Monument erected in 1907 by Johnson County and the Old Settlers Association, and rock benches with metal signage listing the years Johnson County cities were incorporated.

There are the cornerstones and brief histories of the 1891 and 1951 Johnson County Courthouses. A narrative sign offers a condensed time-span of Johnson County history.

In the northwest corner of the square, a sign recognizes noted American scientist and inventor George Washington Carver, who, in 1879, attended a small school near the Johnson County Square.

Large marbles in the square commemorate Carver’s playtime activity in Olathe.

“I think everyone should stop by and see the plaza,” Cox said. “People will be surprised by the information and the history.”