City history
From a recreational lake development in the hills of eastern Kansas, Linn Valley grew into an incorporated city with services of its own. Here's the story so far — and we're still filling in the gaps.
- The early years
A lake community takes shape
Linn Valley began as a private recreational lake development. The Linn Valley Lakes drew families to build, fish, and gather along the water — the origin of the community that would become the City.
- 1998
Linn Valley becomes a city
The lake community incorporates as the City of Linn Valley, taking on the responsibilities of local government.
- 1999
The Police Department is founded
The Linn Valley Police Department is established on June 28, 1999, with Richard George serving as the City's first chief — beginning with a single officer and a modest budget.
Chief Richard George with an early Linn Valley patrol car. - Today
A full-service city
Linn Valley runs its own police, fire, municipal court, building & codes, planning & zoning, and public works, while the Property Owners Association stewards the lakes and much of the recreation.
Help us write Linn Valley's history
We're still gathering the dates, names, and stories that make up Linn Valley's past — the lakes' early years, the city's founding, and the milestones in between. If you have old photos, documents, or memories to share, we'd love to add them here.
Share a photo or memory