By any measure, Lenexa is an outstanding place to live. City services, civic
activities, quality of life — Lenexa scores significantly higher in resident surveys than
the region and nation in these and nearly every other category.

But imagine what it was like over a hundred years ago, prior to the city’s existence, when residents of “The Village of Lenexa” were asked if they wanted to remain unincorporated, or fall under the auspices of a yet-to-be-determined form of city governance. Equitable leaders would need to be found, trust would need to be established, and structure for operating a newly established city would need to be created.In the early 1860s, Legler and his family traveled the Missouri River by steamboat to the present-day Kansas City area. In addition to his wife and daughter, three sons — Fred, David and Henry — were part of this journey.

Understandably, there was debate — always interesting, oftentimes quite direct.

In 1907, even momentous decisions could be made quickly.

April 12 Lenexa requests for incorporation.

Three weeks later, on May 8, the city was incorporated.

Lenexa’s first election was held June 4, 1907.

In that election, E.M. Switzer became mayor, defeating F.C. Henry by a vote of 93 to 3. The first council meeting occurred on June 10. J.W. Bennett was selected city clerk and L.O. Krumm, “a good man to handle the money,” city treasurer.

115 years ago, a unique, timeless goal for Lenexa’s leadership and residents was stated, and its sentiment resonates strongly today: “This organization needs the cooperation of the entire community in bringing about the most possible good to the greatest number of individuals.”