General Review and Description Ottawa was incorporated as a town on June 18, 1866. It was the outgrowth of an early Indian mission founded by the Rev. Jotham Meeker, who brought the first printing press to Kansas. The commission form of government was adopted March 13, 1913. The commission-city manager form of government now prevails. Located in the heart of the rich Marais des Cygnes River Valley, Ottawa has prospered as the farmer prospered.
Franklin County is one of the leading dairy and soybean producing counties in Kansas.
There were 1,700 farms in 1998. Other utilities are available at competitive prices. Ottawa has excellent transportation and communication advantages. US Highway 59, State Highway 33 and 68 also run through Ottawa. Ottawa has a good municipal airport, with a 4,500 ft. paved runway, paved taxi-ways and paved ramps.