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Kirksville, MO

Frequently asked questions

Kirksville, MO

Kirksville is the county seat and most populous city in Adair County, Missouri. Located in Benton Township, its population was 17,530 at the 2020 census. Kirksville is home to two colleges: Truman State University and A.T. Still University. Kirksville was laid out in 1841 on a 40-acre (0.06 sq mi; 16.19 ha) site and was first incorporated in 1857.

According to tradition Jesse Kirk, Kirksville's first postmaster, shared a dinner of turkey and whiskey with surveyors working in the area on the condition that they would name the town after him. Not only the first postmaster, Kirk was also the first to own a hotel and a tavern in Kirksville.

Contrary to popular belief, the name of the city has no connection to John Kirk, a one-time president of Truman State University from 1899 to 1925. However, the grandson of Jesse Kirk reported that the town was named for Kirk's son John, a figure of local legend credited with killing two deer with a single bullet. "Hopkinsville" was explained as a joking reference to the peculiar gait of John Kirk's lame father-in-law, David Sloan; the jocular name was discarded when the village was selected for the seat of justice in Adair County.

The Battle of Kirksville was fought August 6–9, 1862, during the American Civil War. Union troops led by John McNeil forced Confederate volunteers under Joseph Porter to vacate the city. Casualty estimates (almost entirely Confederate) range from 150-200 dead and up to 400 wounded. According to the August 12, 1862, Quincy Herald there were 8 Federal dead and 25 wounded. The victorious Union commander, Colonel McNeil, gained brief national attention for his post-battle execution of a small number of Confederate prisoners. These prisoners had been previously captured in battle and then paroled with the understanding they would no longer take up arms against the Union, upon penalty of death if recaptured. Nonetheless, Confederate government officials were outraged, and it is said that Confederate president Jefferson Davis even called for the execution of Colonel (later Brigadier General) McNeil if he were to be captured.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.43 square miles (37.37 km2), of which, 14.39 square miles (37.27 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) is water.

Kirksville prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents, offering numerous resources and facilities to support a healthy lifestyle. Northeast Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive health services, including wellness checks and preventive care. Start your wellness journey at the Thompson Campus Center, known for its top-rated fitness programs and facilities. For yoga enthusiasts, 9 Lemons Yoga and Mystic Meadows Yoga provide excellent yoga classes to enhance flexibility and mental clarity. Experience holistic healing at Rejuvenate Wellness, which offers services like massage therapy and wellness coaching. The Kirksville Aquatic Center is perfect for those looking to stay fit through swimming and water aerobics. For a unique approach to wellness, Nature Therapy Programs at the Adair County Family YMCA offer guided nature walks and outdoor activities.

Top sites in Kirksville, MO are Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville Country Club, and Museum of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Population: 17,841 (2024). ZIP code: 63501. Area code: 660. Elevation: 968 ft (295 m). Area: 14.42 sq mi (37.36 km2).

FAQs

What is Kirksville, Missouri famous for?

Kirksville is proud to be the birthplace of Osteopathic medicine. Each year Kirksville is host to visitors from around the world. In response to the need for more physicians practicing in the field of oral health, A T Still University of Health Sciences opened The Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health (MOSDOH). They graduated their first class of 42 students in 2017.

Is Kirksville, MO a good place to live?

Kirksville is in Adair County. Living in Kirksville offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. Many young professionals live in Kirksville and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Kirksville are above average.

What is the crime rate in Kirksville, MO?

With a crime rate of 52 per one thousand residents, Kirksville has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 19. Within Missouri, more than 95% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Kirksville.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Kirksville 

Neighborhood Scout

Kirksville Chamber

Niche

Thousand Hills State Park

Kirksville Country Club

Museum of Osteopathic Medicine 

Northeast Regional Medical Center

Thompson Campus Center

9 Lemons Yoga

Mystic Meadows Yoga

Rejuvenate Wellness

Kirksville Aquatic Center

Adair County Family YMCA

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