Founded in the early 1800’s, Raytown was established as settlers moved westward via the Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails. The entire Kansas City area was considered a jumping off point for many going westward in those days. William Ray, a blacksmith by trade, moved to Jackson County in 1848. His blacksmith shop became well established in the next few years and became a geographical landmark. By 1854, many in the area were calling it Ray’s Town, which eventually led to Raytown. Air travel began in Raytown in 1922. The airfield was named Richards Field after the first officer in the Kansas City area to die in WW1, Lt. John F. Richards II. About 35 years later, the Grandview Airport was renamed to Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base. Again, naming it after 1st Lt. John F. Richards and another war hero Lt. Col. Arthur W. Gebaur Jr. Finally, after almost 100 years, in July 1950, it was incorporated as a town. Also found in Raytown is the Rice-Tremonti Home. It is one of only seven remaining antebellum homes in Jackson County today. Today Raytown continues to thrive offering those who live and visit the town many great amenities including over five city parks that offer tennis, basketball, soccer, softball, playgrounds, trails, shuffleboard, fishing, and horseshoes; a farmers market each Saturday beginning in May and running through October, and a community wellness center that includes two indoor pools. Raytown is located about 20 minutes southeast of Kansas City.

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