Spring Hill

History

In 1856, James B. Hovey named the community after a town near Mobile, Alabama. "Being somewhat enthusiastic in my estimation of its future, it having all advantages of timber and water, and on a line that must be traveled between Olathe and Paola, I concluded to myself, as there was no one else to conclude with, that this was a good place for a town." – J.B. Hovey, 1857 Hovey served as the communities first postmaster. Also that year, Hovey built the first building in town, the Spring Hill Hotel. The two-story structure, also known as the "Old Traveler's Rest", was located on the highest elevation in town. She arrived with her adopted son Hiram Eugene, also a doctor, and her husband Amos arrived a few months later. Hiram was killed in January 1862 during the American Civil War after being discovered as a spy for the Union. Also in 1862, Celia divorced her husband, which was very uncommon for the time period. Celia frequently aided black refugees, and is reported to have been part of the Underground Railroad. The town's businesses then quickly moved to be closer to the train depot and tracks. The only fatalities in Spring Hill were of the Davis family, including Isam Davis, his wife Barbara, and their daughters Tamara and Pamela (ages five and six). A neighbor reported they were killed trying to leave their home and make it to their station wagon to escape the storm. Their home was completely destroyed by the tornado and their bodies were found close to 207th Street and US 169 Highway (present day Webster Street). Davis Street in Spring Hill is named after the family. Incorporated in 1857, Spring Hill celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2007, honoring its history. Today, many community events occur annually, and include The King of the Hill Barbeque, the…

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Olathe North Sr High
  High · Olathe · 2,230 students · 16.9:1 ratio
• Olathe South Sr High
  High · Olathe · 1,841 students · 15.5:1 ratio
• Gardner Edgerton High
  High · Gardner · 1,789 students · 17.5:1 ratio
• Olathe West High School
  High · Olathe · 1,662 students · 15.5:1 ratio
• Blue Valley West High
  High · Overland Park · 1,514 students · 15:1 ratio
• Blue Valley Southwest High School
  High · Overland Park · 1,014 students · 13.9:1 ratio
• Spring Hill High School
  High · Spring Hill · 983 students · 15.4:1 ratio
• Aubry Bend Middle School
  Middle · Overland Park · 819 students · 14.9:1 ratio