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The city of Edgerton was a railroad town born following the construction of the Santa Fe Railroad in the late 1800s. It was originally called Martin City because it was built on David Martin’s farm, but was later renamed in honor of the railroad surveyor of the same name. The brick storefronts in Edgerton’s downtown district have not been significantly altered since the turn of the century. Community Hall, Grange Hall and the Edgerton State Bank - replete with ornate stone window frames and rounded tops - are a few of the historic buildings still in use.
Today there are approximately 1,200 residents in Edgerton and they are determined to preserve the historical downtown district. They enjoy a small-town, rural setting in one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. A host of cultural and entertainment facilities can be found in the metropolitan area, including: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Missouri Repertory Theater, State Ballet of Missouri, Starlight Theater and the Kansas City Symphony. The Kansas City Zoo, Worlds of Fun amusement park and Oceans of Fun are also a short drive away. Sports enthusiasts have numerous professional teams to cheer for. Within the city of Edgerton are numerous recreational opportunities. There are four public parks, including the beautiful 20-acre Martin Creek Park and Edgerton City Lake. Within 10 minutes north of Edgerton is 160-acre Gardner Lake, where fishing and light boating are popular. Hillsdale Lake, a 4,850-acre multi-purpose lake only seven miles south of nearby Gardner, attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually. Edgerton is also home to the annual Edgerton Frontier Days. While the city is firmly anchored in the rich architectural essence of its origins, the “Southwest Corner Stone” of Johnson County still retains its small, hometown character and continues to offer residents a unique, affordable and quality way of life. |
