On September 6, 1864, a town company was founded along the south side of the Marais des Cygnes, (River of Swans) where a community known as Ottawa was in the early stages of development. Located in the midst of the Ottawa Indian Reservation, from where it received its name, Ottawa grew steadily.

The town was incorporated in 1866, and, in 1867, voted to become a City of the Second Class under the guidelines established by the State of Kansas. During that same time, a bridge company was formed which constructed a suspension bridge across the Marais des Cygnes at Main Street. The City purchased the bridge in 1874.

Rail service arrived on January 1, 1868, with the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston Railroad. This was closely followed in 1870 by what is commonly referred to as the Santa Fe Railroad and, in 1880, by the Missouri Pacific Railroad.

In 1905, Municipal Water and Light was established. The City purchased the utilities from private sources that had been developed. The Municipal Auditorium was constructed at the corner of Third and Hickory in 1919. City Hall was built at Fourth & Walnut in 1911 and remained at that location until August 1996 when it moved to 101 S. Hickory.

Ottawa was governed by a Mayor-Council system until 1913 when the City became a Commission form of government. In 1970, the voters established the City Manager form of government with a five (5) member Commission who selects a Mayor from its ranks to serve a one year term. The present Commissioners and their terms of office are listed under the city commission and commissioners drop down menu