Along the western border of the state of Missouri you will find Lee’s Summit, a happy city within Jackson and Cass counties. With the sixth largest population in the state of Missouri, Lee’s Summit doesn’t sacrifice charm because of its larger size. In the early 2000s, Lee’s Summit was ranked within the top fifty of the best American cities to live in, and it’s not hard to see why. With access to many amenities within its city limits, as well as its close proximity to Kansas City, Lee’s Summit lacks nothing for its residents.
Originally, Lee’s Summit had a different name, and it is an important part of the city’s rich history. Before the Civil War ended, a Confederate soldier named the town after his wife’s maiden name, “Strother”. He was arrested for his Confederate alliance, and did not return to the area until the war was over. At that time, the railroad was settling in the area, and bringing new attention to this part of the country. The city was then renamed after Dr. Pleasant John Graves Lea, one of the area’s first residents who settled here, in the mid 1800s. This man was a local hero, as he served as postmaster and then was murdered by a local activist group. The townspeople wanted to rename Strother after Dr. Lea, and after being commonly misspelled, the name “Lee’s Summit” became the official city name.
Lee’s Summit is known for its rich and diverse parks system. With nearly thirty public parks throughout the city, residents have access to many neighborhood locations. With a diverse set of amenities and features, each park has something unique to offer. A local favorite, Harris Memorial Park, is the city’s oldest park. The playground is one of the larger set ups in the city, providing plenty of space for young children to run and play with their friends.
Families that live in Lee’s Summit love the selection of educational options that they have for their children. With the option to enroll their kids in three different school districts, Lee’s Summit parents can also choose between two private schools that are available to locals. Parents looking for extra help for their kids can also consider hiring a local tutor in Lee’s Summit. These tutors can help students with a wide variety of subject areas, providing one-on-one guidance and support to help students reach their educational goals.