Parsons, Kansas

Parsons was first called "Mendota" place of meeting by the Osage Indians.  But in 1871, lots happened,  Incorporated in 1871, Parsons was named after Judge Levi G. Parsons, President of the M-K-T Railroad.  The first newspaper published was "The Parsons Sun", which is still in print today.  The Presbyterian and Methodist Churches were organized, the depot was built, school bonds were approved, the hotel was built and The First National Bank opened.  In the mid 1880's, telephone service was made available and electricity was available for lighting.  It was quite an exciting time!

In the early 20th century, The Parsons State Hospital and Training Center was established.  In 1928, Clyde M. Reed, first of two Parsonians to serve Kansas, was named as Governor of Kansas.  In 1938, Payne H. Ratner was elected Governor of Kansas.  In the early 1940's, the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant was established on 16,000 acres southeast of Parsons.  In 1961, the Labette County Medical Center opened with 109 beds.  The first held outdoor Arts & Crafts Fair was held in 1962 and in 1971, completion of a $13,000,000 project of clearance and redevelopment of 50 acres in the Central Core Business District.  

Parsons is in Southeast Kansas in Labette County.  It is 48 miles west of the Missouri border and 32 miles north of the Oklahoma border.  Average annual temperature is 57 degrees, January's average is 34 degrees and July's average temperature is 81 degrees.  The average annual snowfall is 11 inches.  Elevation is 900 feet.