When it opened in 1914 Longview was hailed as, "the world's most beautiful farm."
 

Built by Kansas City millionaire lumberman Robert A. Long, (top right) the farm was the largest construction project of its kind in the United States. The farm featured 51 buildings including the grand house, show horse arena and racetrack, horse and dairy barns, greenhouses, a school and a church. Up to 200 people lived and worked on the farm. Long's wealth came from the Long Bell Lumber Company. Locally, he was a civic leader who spearheaded the drive to build Liberty Memorial. His family's city house, Corinthian Hall, is now the Kansas City Museum in Historic Northeast Kansas City.

Long's daughter, Loula, (bottom right) was an internationally renowned horsewoman who won prizes in the US and Europe. She was the first woman to ever drive in competition at Madison Square Garden. Locally, she became known as the Queen of the American Royal as she entertained audiences and won repeated competitions throughout her life.