Welcome to the Strang Carriage House, a remarkable piece of history nestled in the heart of Overland Park, Kansas. This historic building is intimately tied to the life and vision of William B. Strang Jr., the founder of Overland Park. The Carriage House was constructed around 1910 and served as a storage facility for the carriages and automobiles of William Strang. It also housed the residence of Strang’s personal driver, making it a vital component of his operations.
William B. Strang Jr. was an ambitious entrepreneur who arrived in the area in 1905 with a grand vision. He laid out subdivisions and created a self-sustaining, well-planned community that he named Overland Park. Strang was instrumental in developing transportation links between Johnson County and Kansas City, including the notable Strang Line interurban railway. The Carriage House stands as a relic of this transformative era, reminding us of the days when horse-drawn carriages were slowly giving way to the automobile.
The building itself is a testament to the architectural style of the early 20th century, with original features like its clay tile roof and large exterior doors still visible. Over time, the Carriage House has evolved from its original purpose, undergoing restoration in the mid-1990s by the Overland Park Historical Society. Today, it serves as a resource center for visitors eager to learn about the area’s rich history.
Notable for its role in the early transportation network and its connection to William Strang, the Strang Carriage House is a tangible link to the past. Its story is part of the broader narrative of Overland Park’s growth from a fledgling settlement to a vibrant city. As you explore this historic site, imagine the sounds of carriages and early automobiles that once filled the air, a vivid reminder of a transformative period in history.
