Historic downtown Parsons, Kansas, is a business district and community that has remained resilient, steadfast, successful, and filled with Midwest charm and neighborly warmth since its founding in 1870. Today, Downtown Parsons still retains that same charm with its architectural history, local retailers, and hometown eateries, along with the modern amenities that visitors, residents and businesses want.
Downtown is the heart of the Parsons community with neighborhood parks and green spaces where family and friends gather and celebrate with fun-filled activities and events throughout the year, from the famed St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the Christmas Parade, Halloween’s youth “Monster March” and Fourth Friday Concerts and a newly created common consumption area for expanded adult festivities.
As a shopping destination, the Downtown District continues to maintain a more than 92% occupancy (confirm percentage) rate with shops featuring gifts, jewelry, cards, women’s clothing, office supplies and a variety of dining options.
A Storied History
The history of Parsons is closely tied to the history of the railroad. Named after Judge Levi Parson, president of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, known as the KTY, or Katy Railroad. Parsons became a primary rail hub for Southeast Kansas quickly as the “Katy” was awarded the first rail contract by the US Government to build rail service into what was known then as Oklahoma “Indian Territory.” As train ridership soared in those early days, the city experienced a parallel boom in its population, going from zero in 1870 to more than 6,500 by 1882.
As time passed, Parsons continued to rise up and adapt to the world around it, and in the 1970s, undertook a massive urban renewal program to benefit the City’s municipal facilities and business district.
The Parsons Tornado
It was on April 19, 2000, that tragedy struck, and Parsons suffered a devastating F3 tornado. Its destructive path covered a 30-square block area and resulted in 71 businesses and 800 homes being impacted or destroyed. Determined to bring the city back, the businesses and residents of Parsons came together and began a long-term rehabilitation program that has taken a quarter of a century to restore what had been lost.
The Future of Downtown
Looking ahead, the future success of Parsons’ Downtown District remains bright with potential as this community celebrates and treasures its heritage spanning over 150 years and is ready to welcome new families and new businesses.