Raytown, Missouri

Raytown, Missouri is a city located in the western part of Jackson County, Missouri, near Kansas City, Missouri, and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The city is situated near the Blue River and is close to several major highways, including Interstate 70 and Interstate 435. Raytown is also near several notable cities, including Independence, Missouri, Lee's Summit, Missouri, and Overland Park, Kansas. The city is home to several parks, including Happy Rock Park and Colman-Lawrence Park, which are managed by the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department.

Geography

The city of Raytown is located at an elevation of 1,086 feet above sea level and has a total area of 9.95 square miles. The city is bordered by Kansas City, Missouri to the north, Leawood, Kansas to the west, and Grandview, Missouri to the south. Raytown is situated near the Missouri River and is close to several major lakes, including Lake Jacomo and Longview Lake, which are part of the George Owens Nature Park and the Longview Lake Park. The city's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Prairie Creek and the Blue River, which are tributaries of the Missouri River. The city is near several notable landmarks, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kansas City Zoo, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

History

The area that is now Raytown was first settled in the early 19th century, with the city being officially incorporated in 1950. The city was named after William Ray, a local farmer who owned a large amount of land in the area. During the American Civil War, the area was a key location for the Battle of Westport, which was fought between Union Army and Confederate States Army forces. The city is also near the site of the Battle of Osawatomie, which was fought between John Brown and pro-slavery forces. Raytown is close to several historic sites, including the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, the Fort Osage National Historic Landmark, and the National Frontier Trails Museum.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the city of Raytown has a population of 30,012 people, with a population density of 3,021 people per square mile. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of African Americans, European Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The city is also home to a large number of Veterans of Foreign Wars, with many residents having served in the United States Armed Forces. Raytown is near several major institutions, including the University of Missouri–Kansas City, the Kansas City Art Institute, and the Rockhurst University.

Economy

The economy of Raytown is diverse, with a mix of retail, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. The city is home to several major employers, including the Raytown School District, the City of Raytown, and the Jackson County Government. The city is also near several major shopping centers, including the Ward Parkway Center and the Country Club Plaza, which are owned by Highwoods Properties and Taubman Centers, respectively. Raytown is close to several major companies, including Cerner Corporation, Sprint Corporation, and Hallmark Cards.

Education

The city of Raytown is served by the Raytown School District, which operates several schools in the area, including Raytown High School, Raytown South High School, and Raytown Middle School. The city is also home to several private schools, including Notre Dame de Sion School and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School. Raytown is near several major institutions of higher education, including the University of Missouri–Kansas City, the Kansas City Art Institute, and the Rockhurst University. The city is also close to several major libraries, including the Mid-Continent Public Library and the Kansas City Public Library.

Government

The city of Raytown is governed by a Mayor-council government, with a Mayor of Raytown and a Raytown City Council that is composed of eight members. The city is also part of the Jackson County Government, which provides several services to the area, including law enforcement and public transportation. Raytown is near several major government institutions, including the Kansas City, Missouri City Hall, the Jackson County Courthouse, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The city is also close to several major organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America, and the United Way. Category:Cities in Missouri