The city traces its roots back to 1905 with the arrival of its founder William B. Strang Jr., who platted subdivisions, including one named "Overland Park," along a military roadway.

Strang envisioned a self-sustaining, well planned "park-like" community that had strong commerce, quality education, vibrant neighborhoods, convenient transportation and accommodating recreational facilities - all amenities that today, make Overland Park one of the best places to live and grow up.

Before Strang's death in 1921, he established several housing developments, an interurban railroad and an airfield. Remnants of his interurban line remain today as do his limestone car barn, 79th and Santa Fe Drive (home to Traditions Furniture), and his Carriage House in Santa Fe Commons Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive, home to the Overland Park Historical Society.

On May 20, 1960, Overland Park was incorporated as a first-class city with a population of 28,085. The nationally-recognized city today encompasses 75.6 square miles of Johnson County, and has more than 184,700 residents, making it the second most populous city in Kansas and metropolitan Kansas City.

Prior to incorporation, Overland Park was part of the Mission Urban Township, which included the cities of Mission and Prairie Village. Overland Park's formation was based on land other communities shunned.

Overland Park has received many national awards for its quality of life, education system, public safety, low taxes, strong economy, outstanding health industry, and more.