Strang’s Vision
On May 30-31, 1903, a great flood submerged cities along the Kaw River from Salina to Kansas City and prompted developer William B. Strang, Jr. to propose building a suburban community on higher ground in rural Johnson County. In his vision, residents of the new community of Overland Park would travel to Kansas City via an electric interurban railroad. Strang would build his railroad above the flood plain and provide both convenient access to jobs in the city for suburban dwellers, as well as an easy way for urban residents to visit the country for fresh air and recreation.
Read more about Strang’s story at JoCoHistory.org
Read more about the Flood of 1903 on Kansapedia
Images of the Flood of 1903
1903 Flood of Kansas River at 12th Street Bridge. Sightseers along Kansas River at 12th Street Bridge.
1903 Kansas River Flood – Railroad Wreckage
1903 Flood of Kansas River in Kansas City, KS. Flood of Armourdale and Argentine areas.
1903 Kansas River Flood – Residential & Business Damage. Families cleaning up damage.
JoCoHistory Blog 
Didn’t know that.