Basic Information
Lawrence is the sixth largest city in the state of Kansas, with a population of 89,852 per the latest United States Census (Wichita is the largest city in the state, with a population of 361,420) and serves as the county seat of Douglass County. The town is located approximately 41 miles West of Kansas City, Missouri and 15 miles East of Topeka, KS.
Major points of interest in Lawrence include the University of Kansas main campus and KU Medical Center campus (of the same university), as well as the Haskell Indian Nations University (see "Higher Education" below for details). Nearby Clinton Lake (built by the Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1970s) also proves a popular draw for both locals and visitors from the nearby cities of Topeka and Overland Park.
Located in the state's 2nd congressional district, Lawrence has a reputation as a bastion of liberal thought in Kansas, which is largely viewed as a Republican-dominated state in terms of party division.
Higher Education
Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas main campus, as well as the Kansas University Medical Center campus (the Kansas University Edwards campus is located in Overland Park, KS). Approximately 30,644 students are enrolled in classes across the three campuses at this time, while the main campus and the KU Medical Center employ more than 2,200 faculty members individuals.
In addition to the two Kansas Univeristy campuses, Lawrence is also home to the Haskell Indian Nations University, which offers higher education to members of registered Native American tribes. The typical annual enrollment at the Haskell INU campus is 1,000 students from more than 150 different tribes and all 50 states.
Public Transit
The city of Lawrence has a wide range of transit options available to the populace, including a city-funded bus system, an Amtrak passenger train station, and a local airport.
Major Events
- The Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival: An annual music event hosted by the city, the Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival takes place each June and draws both visitors and bands to the region from all across the US.
- College Sporting Events: As in all college towns, local "home" games are a big seasonal draw for the locals and alumnia of Kansas University.
In the News
In January, 2006 a survey was released by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty naming the city as the second most unfriendly place to be homeless in the United States. Helen Hartnett, Ph.D. and Toni Johnson, Ph.D. of the University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare presented their findings for public consideration.
See Also
Sources
Game and Story Use
- Lawrence has a good "hometown for a hero" kind of feel, as it is home to many types of people.
- Lawrence makes a good 'hub' for people who regularly travel between Topeka and Kansas City.