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The municipality of Lee's Summit was initially incorporated in 1865 under the name Strother.
Answer: True
Explanation: The town was officially incorporated in October 1865 under the name Strother, prior to being renamed Lee's Summit in 1868.
The designation 'Summit' in Lee's Summit's name refers to its geographical position at the highest elevation along the Missouri Pacific Railroad line connecting Kansas City and St. Louis.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Summit' in the city's name signifies its location at the highest point along the Missouri Pacific Railroad line between Kansas City and St. Louis.
Archaeological evidence indicates continuous human habitation in the Lee's Summit region for at least 10,000 years.
Answer: True
Explanation: Archaeological findings suggest human presence in the Lee's Summit area dating back at least 10,000 years, with continuous occupation for approximately 9,000 years.
At the time of European contact, the area of present-day Lee's Summit was primarily occupied by the Kanzas people.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the time of first European contact, the region was primarily occupied by the Little Osage people, with the Kanzas people located to the west.
The United States acquired the territory including Lee's Summit through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and the Osage Nation ceded their remaining Missouri territory in 1825.
Answer: True
Explanation: The territory was acquired via the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and the Osage Nation subsequently ceded their remaining Missouri lands in 1825, opening the area for settlement.
The name Strother, Lee's Summit's original name, was chosen to honor a prominent Civil War general.
Answer: False
Explanation: The original name Strother was chosen in 1865, and while the Civil War context is relevant to the region's history, the name itself was not explicitly chosen to honor a specific general.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 had little impact on the Lee's Summit area, as it primarily concerned territories further west.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 intensified the Missouri-Kansas Border War, significantly impacting the region, including the area near Lee's Summit, which served as a refuge for pro-slavery forces.
When was Lee's Summit officially incorporated, and what was its initial name?
Answer: 1865, named Strother
Explanation: The city was officially incorporated in 1865 under the name Strother.
What is the most likely origin of the name 'Lee's Summit'?
Answer: Honoring Pleasant John Graves Lea, a local figure killed in the Civil War, and its location at a railroad summit
Explanation: The name likely honors Pleasant John Graves Lea and references the city's location at the highest point on the Missouri Pacific Railroad line.
What type of archaeological evidence indicates early human habitation in the Lee's Summit region?
Answer: Stone arrowheads characteristic of the Dalton tradition and artifacts of the Kansas City Hopewell culture
Explanation: Archaeological findings include stone arrowheads from the Dalton tradition and artifacts associated with the Kansas City Hopewell culture, indicating early human presence.
How did the Louisiana Purchase and subsequent treaties impact the land that became Lee's Summit?
Answer: The Louisiana Purchase opened the land for settlement, and the Osage Nation later ceded their remaining Missouri territory in 1825.
Explanation: The Louisiana Purchase facilitated American settlement, and the subsequent 1825 treaty with the Osage Nation formally opened the territory, including present-day Lee's Summit, for development.
What is the significance of the 'Summit' in Lee's Summit's name?
Answer: It denotes the city's location at the highest elevation along a specific railroad line.
Explanation: The 'Summit' component of the name refers to the city's position at the highest elevation point along the Missouri Pacific Railroad line between Kansas City and St. Louis.
What was the original name of Lee's Summit when it was incorporated in 1865?
Answer: Strother
Explanation: When Lee's Summit was incorporated in 1865, its original name was Strother.
What role did the Kansas-Nebraska Act play in the Lee's Summit area?
Answer: It intensified the Missouri-Kansas Border War, with the nearby valley serving as a refuge for pro-slavery forces.
Explanation: The Kansas-Nebraska Act exacerbated tensions, contributing to the Missouri-Kansas Border War, and the Little Blue River valley near Lee's Summit became a refuge for pro-slavery guerrilla factions.
The Platte Purchase is mentioned in the context of Missouri's geography. What did it involve?
Answer: A historical land acquisition that expanded Missouri's western boundary.
Explanation: The Platte Purchase refers to a historical land acquisition that extended Missouri's western border, incorporating territory that now includes parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Lee's Summit remained primarily an agricultural community until the early 21st century.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee's Summit transitioned from an agricultural community to a commuter suburb following World War II, driven by rapid suburbanization and population growth.
General Order No. 11, issued during the Civil War, led to the abandonment and burning of farms in the Lee's Summit area by Union troops.
Answer: True
Explanation: Union General Ewing's General Order No. 11 in 1863 mandated the evacuation and destruction of farms in the border region, significantly impacting the Lee's Summit area.
The Missouri Pacific Railroad played a minor role in the town's establishment, primarily serving as a passenger route.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Missouri Pacific Railroad was crucial to the town's establishment, as an agreement with the company was instrumental in platting the town and reserving land for a depot, facilitating its development as a commercial center.
Longview Farm, built starting in 1912, was primarily intended as a center for agricultural research and development.
Answer: False
Explanation: Longview Farm was a large estate primarily known for raising champion show horses, not agricultural research.
Harry S. Truman delivered his first major policy speech as President in Lee's Summit.
Answer: False
Explanation: Harry S. Truman made his first political announcement in Lee's Summit in March 1922, running for County Court judge, not his first major presidential policy speech.
What major event significantly shifted Lee's Summit from an agricultural community to a commuter suburb?
Answer: Rapid suburbanization and population growth following World War II
Explanation: Post-World War II suburbanization and population growth were the primary drivers transforming Lee's Summit from an agricultural area into a commuter suburb.
What significant Civil War event directly impacted the Lee's Summit area, leading to displacement and destruction?
Answer: Union General Ewing's General Order No. 11
Explanation: General Order No. 11, issued by Union General Ewing, resulted in the forced evacuation and destruction of farms in the border region, significantly impacting the Lee's Summit area.
What was the primary role of the Missouri Pacific Railroad in the founding of Lee's Summit?
Answer: It was essential for platting the town and establishing a commercial center.
Explanation: An agreement with the Missouri Pacific Railroad was fundamental to the town's platting and the establishment of a depot, making it a key factor in its founding and commercial development.
What was the main purpose and characteristic of Longview Farm, established in 1912?
Answer: A large estate focused on raising champion show horses.
Explanation: Longview Farm, established in 1912, was a vast estate renowned for its champion show horse breeding program.
What significant political event involving Harry S. Truman occurred in Lee's Summit in March 1922?
Answer: He made his first political announcement, running for County Court judge.
Explanation: In March 1922, Harry S. Truman made his initial political announcement in Lee's Summit, declaring his candidacy for County Court judge.
Which historical event significantly disrupted life in the Lee's Summit area during the Civil War, leading to violence and displacement?
Answer: Guerrilla warfare and Union military orders like General Order No. 11
Explanation: The Civil War era in the Lee's Summit area was marked by guerrilla warfare and disruptive Union military orders, such as General Order No. 11, which caused significant violence and displacement.
Lee's Summit, Missouri, is situated entirely within Jackson County.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee's Summit is geographically situated across both Jackson County and Cass County, Missouri.
The Little Blue River forms Lee's Summit's southeastern boundary and is known for its historical significance during the Civil War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Little Blue River forms the city's northwestern boundary, not the southeastern. While the region was affected by Civil War events, the river itself is not primarily noted for its Civil War significance in this context.
Lee's Summit has only one major human-made reservoir, Longview Lake, created in 1985.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee's Summit is near six major human-made reservoirs, including Longview Lake, Lake Jacomo, and Blue Springs Lake, created between 1959 and 1989.
Lee's Summit experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and dry summers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee's Summit has a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers, not a Mediterranean climate.
Public parks in Lee's Summit exclusively offer playgrounds and walking trails.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee's Summit's public parks offer a diverse range of amenities beyond playgrounds and trails, including tennis courts, disc golf courses, campgrounds, a golf course, and an ice skating rink.
The James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area is primarily used for urban development and housing projects.
Answer: False
Explanation: The James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area is dedicated to conservation and recreation, offering activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and birdwatching, not urban development.
The elevation of Lee's Summit is approximately 1,027 meters above sea level.
Answer: False
Explanation: The elevation of Lee's Summit is approximately 1,027 feet (313 meters) above sea level.
Lee's Summit, Missouri, is geographically situated in which counties?
Answer: Only Jackson County and Cass County
Explanation: Lee's Summit is located across two counties: Jackson County and Cass County.
What is the geographical relationship between the Little Blue River and Lee's Summit?
Answer: It forms the city's northwestern boundary and its damming created Longview Lake.
Explanation: The Little Blue River forms Lee's Summit's northwestern boundary, and its damming led to the creation of Longview Lake.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a major human-made reservoir in or around Lee's Summit?
Answer: Lake of the Ozarks
Explanation: Lake of the Ozarks is a major reservoir, but it is located significantly south of Lee's Summit and is not listed among the reservoirs directly serving or immediately surrounding the city.
Lee's Summit's climate is best described as:
Answer: Humid continental climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Explanation: Lee's Summit experiences a humid continental climate (Dfa), characterized by distinct seasons with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Which of the following amenities is NOT typically found in Lee's Summit's public parks, according to the source?
Answer: Indoor swimming pools
Explanation: While parks offer playgrounds, disc golf, and trails, indoor swimming pools are not listed among the typical amenities found in Lee's Summit's public parks.
What primary activities are offered at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area near Lee's Summit?
Answer: Fishing, hunting, hiking, and birdwatching.
Explanation: The James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and birdwatching.
What is the elevation of Lee's Summit in feet?
Answer: Approximately 1,027 feet
Explanation: The elevation of Lee's Summit is approximately 1,027 feet above sea level.
What is the significance of the Bethany Falls limestone formation in Lee's Summit?
Answer: It underlies the city and contributes to the geological landscape, forming bluffs.
Explanation: The Bethany Falls limestone formation lies beneath Lee's Summit and influences the region's geology, notably contributing to the formation of bluffs near areas like Longview Lake.
What is the primary climate classification for Lee's Summit according to the Koppen system?
Answer: Dfa (Humid continental)
Explanation: Under the Koppen climate classification system, Lee's Summit is categorized as Dfa, indicating a humid continental climate.
According to the 2020 census data, Lee's Summit ranked as the third most populous city in Missouri.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2020 census indicated Lee's Summit was the sixth most populous city in Missouri, not the third.
Lee's Summit's population grew from approximately 2,500 in 1950 to over 8,000 by 1960.
Answer: True
Explanation: The city experienced substantial population growth in the mid-20th century, increasing from around 2,500 residents in 1950 to over 8,000 by 1960.
In the 2020 census, the Black or African American population constituted the second-largest racial group in Lee's Summit.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Black or African American population is significant (8.9%), the White population (78.6%) was the largest group in the 2020 census. Those identifying with two or more races (7.9%) were the second-largest group after White.
The median income in Lee's Summit is lower than the median income for the state of Missouri.
Answer: False
Explanation: The median income in Lee's Summit ($51,030) is notably higher than the median income for the state of Missouri ($39,761).
Lee's Summit's property crime rate is lower than both the state and national averages, while its violent crime rate is higher.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2024, Lee's Summit's property crime rate was higher than the national average, while its violent crime rate was lower than both state and national averages.
The median age of Lee's Summit residents is below 30 years old.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to 2024 estimates, the median age of residents in Lee's Summit is 40.4 years, which is above 30.
The marriage rate among residents aged 15 and older in Lee's Summit is lower than the national average.
Answer: False
Explanation: The marriage rate among residents aged 15 and older in Lee's Summit (54.9%) is higher than the national average (approximately 49%).
Lee's Summit's property crime rate in 2024 was lower than the national average property crime rate.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2024, Lee's Summit's property crime rate (2348.3 per 100,000) was higher than the national average property crime rate (1701.8 per 100,000).
According to the 2020 census, what was Lee's Summit's population, and how did it rank among Missouri cities?
Answer: 101,108 residents, ranking 6th
Explanation: The 2020 census reported Lee's Summit's population at 101,108, making it the sixth most populous city in Missouri.
How did federal housing policies like the FHA and G.I. Bill contribute to racial dynamics in Lee's Summit post-WWII?
Answer: They spurred suburbanization but often excluded Black people through restrictive covenants, aiding segregation.
Explanation: Federal housing policies facilitated suburban growth in Lee's Summit but often incorporated racially restrictive covenants, contributing to segregation by limiting access for Black residents.
Which statement accurately describes Lee's Summit's population change in the mid-20th century?
Answer: It grew from approximately 2,500 in 1950 to over 8,000 by 1960.
Explanation: Lee's Summit experienced rapid population growth in the mid-20th century, increasing from about 2,500 residents in 1950 to over 8,000 by 1960.
Based on the 2020 census, what percentage of Lee's Summit's population identified as White?
Answer: 78.6%
Explanation: In the 2020 census, 78.6% of Lee's Summit's population identified as White.
What is the median income for individuals aged 15 and older in Lee's Summit, and how does it compare to the United States median?
Answer: $51,030, which is higher than the U.S. median.
Explanation: The median income for individuals aged 15 and older in Lee's Summit is $51,030, which exceeds the U.S. median income of $41,689.
In 2024, how did Lee's Summit's crime rates compare to state and national averages?
Answer: Violent crime rate was lower; property crime rate was higher.
Explanation: In 2024, Lee's Summit reported a violent crime rate lower than state and national averages, but a property crime rate higher than both.
According to 2024 estimates, what is the median age of residents in Lee's Summit?
Answer: 40.4 years
Explanation: Estimates for 2024 indicate that the median age of residents in Lee's Summit is 40.4 years.
How does Lee's Summit's property crime rate compare to the national average, based on 2024 data?
Answer: It is higher than the national average.
Explanation: Based on 2024 data, Lee's Summit's property crime rate (2348.3 per 100,000) exceeded the national average property crime rate (1701.8 per 100,000).
Which statement accurately reflects the comparison of marriage rates (residents aged 15+) in Lee's Summit?
Answer: Lee's Summit's marriage rate is higher than both Missouri's and the U.S.
Explanation: The marriage rate among residents aged 15 and older in Lee's Summit (54.9%) is higher than the rates reported for both Missouri (approx. 47.9%) and the United States (approx. 49%).
The Western Electric factory, which opened in 1961, significantly boosted Lee's Summit's growth by providing employment and tax revenue until its closure in 2002.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Western Electric factory's operation from 1961 to 2002 was a major factor in Lee's Summit's economic growth, employment, and tax base.
The Lee's Summit R-VII School District is one of the city's largest employers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Lee's Summit R-VII School District is identified as one of the largest employers within the city.
Interstate 470 (I-470) and U.S. Route 50 (US 50) are major transportation routes that pass through Lee's Summit.
Answer: True
Explanation: Both I-470 and US 50 are significant transportation arteries that traverse or border Lee's Summit.
The primary media outlets serving Lee's Summit are national television networks.
Answer: False
Explanation: Local media serving Lee's Summit include regional newspapers like the Lee's Summit Journal and The Kansas City Star, in addition to national networks.
What was the economic impact of the Western Electric factory on Lee's Summit?
Answer: It provided substantial employment and boosted the city's tax base until 2002.
Explanation: The Western Electric factory significantly contributed to Lee's Summit's economy by providing employment and tax revenue from its opening in 1961 until its closure in 2002.
Which of the following is listed as one of the top employers in Lee's Summit?
Answer: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
Explanation: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (National Benefits Center) is listed among the major employers in Lee's Summit.
Which of the following is a major transportation route bordering or passing through Lee's Summit?
Answer: Missouri Route 150
Explanation: Missouri Route 150 is identified as one of the major transportation routes serving Lee's Summit.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a major transportation route serving Lee's Summit?
Answer: Interstate 435 (I-435)
Explanation: While I-470, US 50, MO 150, MO 291, and MO 350 are listed as major routes, I-435 is not explicitly mentioned as a primary route serving Lee's Summit in the provided context.
Which of the following is NOT among the top employers listed for Lee's Summit?
Answer: The Kansas City Chiefs
Explanation: While University Health Lakewood Medical Center, GEHA, and the Lee's Summit R-VII School District are listed as major employers, The Kansas City Chiefs are not among the top employers cited for Lee's Summit.
What is the function of the Lee's Summit Municipal Airport?
Answer: It provides air access for residents and businesses.
Explanation: The Lee's Summit Municipal Airport functions as a local transportation resource, offering air access for residents and commercial entities within the city.
The Downtown Days festival is the primary cultural attraction featured in downtown Lee's Summit.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Downtown Days is a significant event, downtown Lee's Summit features multiple cultural attractions, including the Fourth Fridays Art Walk, Oktoberfest, and the Lee's Summit History Museum.
Lee's Summit operates under a mayor-council form of government, with the mayor appointing the city manager.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee's Summit utilizes a charter and council-manager form of government, where the city council appoints the city manager, not the mayor.
Lee's Summit's sister city is located in Germany.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee's Summit has one sister city, Aizuwakamatsu, which is located in Japan, not Germany.
City Council members in Lee's Summit are elected for staggered five-year terms.
Answer: False
Explanation: City Council members serve staggered four-year terms, not five-year terms.
The Fourth Fridays Art Walk is a yearly event held in the summer months to showcase local artists.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fourth Fridays Art Walk is a monthly event, not a yearly one, and it showcases local artists and musicians throughout the year, not exclusively in summer.
What is the significance of the 'Fourth Fridays Art Walk' in downtown Lee's Summit?
Answer: It is a monthly event showcasing local artists and musicians.
Explanation: The Fourth Fridays Art Walk is a monthly event held in downtown Lee's Summit that serves as a venue for local artists and musicians to display their work.
What form of government does Lee's Summit utilize?
Answer: Charter and council-manager form
Explanation: Lee's Summit operates under a charter and council-manager form of government.
What is the role of the City Council in Lee's Summit's government?
Answer: They are responsible for appointing the city manager.
Explanation: The City Council in Lee's Summit is responsible for appointing the city manager, who then oversees the city's daily operations.
What is the purpose of the 'Fourth Fridays Art Walk' in downtown Lee's Summit?
Answer: To provide a venue for local artists and musicians to showcase their work monthly.
Explanation: The Fourth Fridays Art Walk is a monthly event designed to provide a platform for local artists and musicians to exhibit their talents in downtown Lee's Summit.
Lee's Summit has one sister city. What is its name and location?
Answer: Aizuwakamatsu, Japan
Explanation: Lee's Summit's designated sister city is Aizuwakamatsu, located in Japan.
Lee's Summit has a lower percentage of residents with bachelor's degrees compared to the national average.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee's Summit demonstrates higher educational attainment than the national average, with a greater percentage of residents holding bachelor's degrees.
The Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District serves the majority of the Jackson County portion of Lee's Summit.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District primarily serves the Cass County portion of Lee's Summit; the Jackson County portions are served by other districts like Lee's Summit R-VII.
Longview Community College, part of Metropolitan Community College, is located outside of Lee's Summit's service area.
Answer: False
Explanation: Longview Community College is located on the western edge of Lee's Summit and is part of the Metropolitan Community College system serving the area.
Lee's Summit has only one hospital providing emergency services.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee's Summit is served by at least two hospitals offering emergency services: Lee's Summit Medical Center and Saint Luke's East Hospital.
The Supreme Court case *Missouri v. Jenkins* (1995) mandated increased state funding for magnet school programs to integrate Lee's Summit schools.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Missouri v. Jenkins* ruling ended the state's requirement to fund the magnet school program aimed at integration, rather than mandating increased funding for Lee's Summit schools specifically.
How does Lee's Summit's educational attainment compare to the national average?
Answer: It is higher, with a greater percentage of residents holding bachelor's degrees.
Explanation: Lee's Summit exhibits higher educational attainment than the national average, evidenced by a greater proportion of residents holding bachelor's degrees and a lower rate of individuals without a high school diploma.
Which school district primarily serves the Cass County portion of Lee's Summit?
Answer: Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District
Explanation: The Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District serves the majority of the Cass County portion of Lee's Summit.
Which higher education institution, part of the Metropolitan Community College system, is located on the western edge of Lee's Summit?
Answer: Longview Community College
Explanation: Longview Community College, a part of the Metropolitan Community College system, is situated on the western edge of Lee's Summit.
The Supreme Court case *Missouri v. Jenkins* (1995) had what effect on school desegregation efforts related to the Kansas City metropolitan area?
Answer: It ended the state's requirement to fund a magnet school program aimed at integration.
Explanation: The Supreme Court's decision in *Missouri v. Jenkins* concluded the state's obligation to fund the magnet school program intended for metropolitan area school integration.
How does Lee's Summit's educational attainment compare to the state average?
Answer: It is higher, with more residents holding bachelor's degrees.
Explanation: Educational attainment in Lee's Summit surpasses the state average, with a larger proportion of residents possessing bachelor's degrees.