61-557: Thousand Hills State Park is a public recreation area covering over 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) two miles (3.2 km) west of Kirksville in Adair County , Missouri . The state park features 573-acre (232 ha) Forest Lake and Native American petroglyphs . By the late 1940s, the nearby city of Kirksville was in need of a larger and more reliable water supply than the Chariton River could provide. In October 1948,
122-400: A United States citizen, to have lived in the city for at least one year prior to election, and to not have any outstanding/overdue city or county taxes. All members are elected in an "at large" representation basis versus any particular section or ward. Following each election, the councilmembers vote among themselves to choose a member to serve a one-year term as mayor. Council meetings are held
183-627: A colonelcy in the State troops, with the command of a district on the Kansas state line. He spent the winter organizing forces and protecting the Union citizens. He returned to St. Louis in the spring of 1862 and took over a cavalry regiment, with command of the District of Northeast Missouri, and the special charge of clearing the area of guerrillas —notably, those flocking to Joseph C. Porter . He spent
244-628: A crowd. Most of the 28 killed were civilians although some militia and some Union soldiers died too. On July 17, McNeil with about 600 men defeated the State forces under General David B. Harris at Fulton, Missouri . He was then placed in command of the city of St. Louis by General John C. Frémont . On August 3, McNeil was commissioned colonel of the Nineteenth Missouri Volunteers ("Lyon Regiment") to which he had been named by General Lyon. He resigned in December to accept
305-410: A female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 39.8% consisted of individuals and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 3.2. 17.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 35.7% from 18 to 24, 18.5% from 25 to 44, 16.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
366-655: A portion of the city receives it from Tri-County Electric, an R.E.C. co-op. Liberty Utilities is the natural gas supplier for the Kirksville area. John McNeil John McNeil (February 14, 1813 – June 8, 1891) was a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War . He was most noted for his role in the Palmyra massacre and other acts of alleged brutality, as well as his participation in
427-541: Is a media market region, ranked 201 by Nielsen . Television stations include dual ABC / CBS affiliate KTVO ( channel 3 ) and K30MG-D ( channel 15 ; translator of Fox / NBC / The CW+ affiliate KYOU-TV channel 15 in Ottumwa). Radio stations include KTRM , a student radio from Truman State University; and KRXL , a classic rock station serving the Kirksville/Ottumwa region. In print, Kirksville
488-402: Is a long-range radar that feeds data to air traffic control centers that control aircraft flying over the region. Four fatal airplane accidents have occurred near Kirksville: Kirksville is served by two watersheds . Hazel Creek Lake (530 acres), formed in 1982, was first used as a water source the next year. The larger water source, Forrest Lake (640 acres), was formed by the city in
549-484: Is highest in the summer months, and is mostly produced by thunderstorms (a few of which can become severe ). Kirksville anchors a micropolitan area that comprises Adair and Schuyler counties. The 2020 United States census counted 17,530 people, 6,259 households, and 2,766 families in Kirksville. The population density was 1,218.2 per square mile (470.5/km ). There were 7,678 housing units at an average density of 533.6 per square mile (206.1/km ). The racial makeup
610-608: Is optional. The city of Kirksville partners with other agencies to operate Kirk-Tran, an area bus service, and a county-wide E-911 Center. Kirksville is home to three institutions of higher learning: Primary and secondary schools, including Kirksville High School , are operated by the Kirksville R-III School District . Kirksville has a public library , the Adair County Public Library. Paired with Ottumwa, Iowa , Kirksville
671-470: Is said that Confederate president Jefferson Davis even called for the execution of Colonel (later Brigadier General) McNeil if he were to be captured. On the evening of April 27, 1899, an F4 tornado passing through Adair County cut a path of destruction three blocks wide, killed 34 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings. The popular song "Just as the Storm Passed O'er" was based on the event, and
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#1732787764923732-429: Is served by Kirk-Tran, which provides residents with a deviated fixed-route transit system and demand response service. The deviated fixed-route bus service is a single loop route operating hourly from 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday-Thursday, 7:00am to 9:00pm on Fridays and 9:00am to 9:00pm on Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays. Kirksville, by way of La Plata , is serviced by Amtrak 's Southwest Chief which runs along
793-601: Is served by the Kirksville Daily Express , Sundays through Fridays, and on Thursdays by the Index , a weekly newspaper produced by students at Truman State University. The students of Truman State University also publish an alternative newspaper, The Monitor . Truman students produce a weekly news broadcast, News 36, played on CableOne channel 3 and on their on-campus station, TruTV, on Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm, 9:00pm, 10:00pm, and 2:00am. Kirksville
854-548: Is thirsting for the blood of the brave General, and his coadjutors in the North are maligning General McNeil, fabricating statements of his brutality, and even asserting the two-fold falsehood that the wife of Allsman petitioned that the rebels might not be executed, and that the old man has since returned. But he will bear such calumnies, and live to reap grateful tributes. It was true that Confederate President Jefferson Davis had threatened to execute ten Union prisoners unless McNeil
915-704: Is used for fishing, swimming, and both motorized and non-motorized boating. A marina offers boat and equipment rentals. Two campgrounds provide a total of 57 campsites. Overnight accommodations are also offered at seven duplex cabins. Trails are available for hiking and bicycling and include the Carolyn Bagley Harding Trail, which is a paved trail being developed in cooperation with the community volunteer organization FLATS ( Forest Lake Area Trail System ). The park hosts an annual bass tournament in spring. The NEMO Triathlon formerly held in September
976-545: The BNSF Railway . The distance from Truman State University to La Plata (Amtrak station) is approximately 12.5 miles (20.1 km). Kirksville once had two operational railroads that ran through town. The east-west rail line was originally incorporated as the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Railroad, which was renamed several times during financial restructuring and changing hands numerous times, until in 1897 it became
1037-764: The Battle of Westport , the largest battle west of the Mississippi River. For his role in the Palmyra massacre, he was given the nickname "Butcher of Palmyra". McNeil was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia , to parents descended from Tories who had fled the American Revolution . He received a common school education, and then learned the hatter's trade in Boston, Massachusetts . He engaged unsuccessfully in
1098-524: The Kimball Piano Company exploited the incident for its advertising, when one of their instruments was carried a long distance by the tornado but still found in working condition. On May 13, 2009, Kirksville was again the victim of a large tornado. An EF2 tornado struck the northern edge of Kirksville destroying or severely damaging many homes, several businesses, a car dealership, and at least one factory. Two residents living just outside
1159-519: The Kirksville R-III School District were of Hispanic origin, but the wave of Congolese students appeared by 2015, doubling the number of ESOL students and giving it a French-speaking population not previously present. Therefore, the district began expanding its ESOL program. Students and faculty from Truman State University took steps to help the Congolese residents acclimate to life in Kirksville. According to Sana Camara of Truman State, many of
1220-564: The National Register of Historic Places . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 14.43 square miles (37.37 km ), of which, 14.39 square miles (37.27 km ) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km ) is water. Kirksville has a hot-summer humid continental climate ( Köppen Dfa ). Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. Precipitation
1281-564: The Norfolk Southern Railway in 1982 after N&W merged with Southern Railway . In April 1992, the last official NS train ran the line between Albia, IA and Moberly, MO as the railroad announced it would abandon the line due to a loss in profit. During the summer of 1993, the railroad reopened to train traffic as the floods of the midwest affected lines around the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Trains continued to run
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#17327877649231342-608: The Second Battle of Newtonia in October. During the Battle of Westport , McNeil was relieved of command for "cowardice and failure to attack the enemy" by General Alfred Pleasonton . For this and other charges he was court-martialed, but the charges were dismissed. He then commanded the district of Central Missouri until April 12, 1865, when he resigned. McNeil was given the brevet rank of major general of volunteers in recognition of faithful and meritorious services during
1403-584: The 1950s when a dam was constructed across Big Creek. Forrest Lake anchors the Thousand Hills State Park , located just west of the city and is named in honor of former Missouri Governor Forrest Smith . Kirksville trash pick-up is currently conducted through the Advanced Disposal of Macon, MO . The company also picks up recycling and yard waste for the city. Most residents receive electrical service from AmerenUE , although
1464-538: 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
1525-461: The Congo settled in Kirksville; they first came to the U.S. through diversity visas . Many found work at a Farmland Foods facility in nearby Milan, Missouri . In 2014 five Congolese families lived in Kirksville. By February 2016 almost 40 Congolese families resided in Kirksville, totaling around 100 people. Prior to 2015 about half of the 20-25 English as a second language program students in
1586-507: The Kirksville city council, through ordinance, officially designed the reservoir "Forest Lake" (with one "r") so named for the surrounding woodlands. The lands, but not the lake itself (owned by the city of Kirksville), were presented to the state of Missouri free of charge in return for the promise of establishing a state park and protecting the land around the water reservoir. It was named Thousand Hills State Park, in honor of Doctor Laughlin's Thousand Hills Farm that had formerly occupied part of
1647-514: The Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad. Financial problems continued, and it was operated by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad after 1903 and later absorbed by that company, which in turn became Burlington Northern in 1970. The portion of the line that ran west of Kirksville towards Green City was abandoned and eventually torn down in the early 1950s. The portion of the line that ran east of town towards Edina, Labelle, and West Quincy
1708-494: The abduction and presumptive murder of Union loyalist (and alleged informer) Andrew Allsman by executing ten Confederate prisoners in what came to be known as the " Palmyra Massacre ." McNeil was criticized even by Union sympathizers for the act, and excoriated in the American and European press. However, Harper's Weekly quoted a defender: These measures were severe, but not from the character of General McNeil: he will receive
1769-488: The applause of all earnest patriots for treating treason as it deserves. The fruit of his policy is pointedly exhibited where he has ruled. Before his advent murders and all lesser crimes were frequent, for no fault of the sufferers except that they were true to their country and to God. Now no more peaceful, stable, and Union-abiding people are to be found than those who live in Northeast Missouri. Jefferson Davis
1830-418: The assistance of Gen. John B. Sanborn , Clinton B. Fisk and E. B. Brown, he saved the capital from Price's army. He commanded the 2nd Brigade of General Alfred Pleasonton 's Provisional Cavalry during Price's Raid, and along with General John Sanborn , led the attack on the second day of the Second Battle of Independence . His troops also participated in the campaign which led to the defeat of Price's army at
1891-405: The average family size was 2.83. In the city, the population was spread out, with 15.6% under the age of 18, 37.6% from 18 to 24, 20.5% from 25 to 44, 14.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.5 males. The median income for a household in
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1952-803: The business first in New York City and subsequently for twenty years in St. Louis, Missouri . He prospered there, though he lost his fortune to Southern repudiation as the war began. He was a member of the Missouri legislature, 1844–45, and president of the Pacific Insurance Company, 1855–61. When the war began, General Sterling Price of the Missouri Volunteer Militia and pro- secession Governor of Missouri Claiborne Jackson counted on McNeil's support, as he
2013-879: The city limits were killed by the tornado, and as many as a dozen other area residents were injured. The story and extensive video of the 2009 twister was featured in season 3, episode 4 of Storm Chasers on the Discovery Channel as well as a 2010 episode of Storm Stories on The Weather Channel . The Adair County Courthouse , Bear Creek Baptist Church , Dockery Hotel , Grim Building , Capt. Thomas C. Harris House , Journal Printing Company Building , Kirksville Courthouse Square Historic District , Drs. George and Blanche Laughlin House , Masonic Temple , Dr. E. Sanborn Smith House , Orie J. Smith Black and White Stock Farm Historic District , Sojourners Club , Travelers Hotel , and Trinity Episcopal Church are listed on
2074-439: The city was There were 6,714 households, of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.0% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 54.3% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
2135-485: The city was $ 22,836, and the median income for a family was $ 36,772. Males had a median income of $ 26,776 versus $ 22,309 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 14,388. About 14.4% of families and 30.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 20.7% of those under age 18 and 13.1% of those age 65 or over. By 2015 a number of persons originating from the Democratic Republic of
2196-510: The execution of Frisby McCullough , an action which was also generally criticized, but which he just as staunchly defended. His subsequent campaign in Monroe County, Missouri , was also regarded by some as excessively brutal and indiscriminate. He himself said that "where a Union man could not live in peace, a secessionist should not." He concluded his campaign on September 14, taking Palmyra after its abandonment by Porter, and avenging
2257-492: The family of local physician George Laughlin donated 1,100 acres (450 ha) to the city. The city of Kirksville matched the donation by purchasing an additional 1,150 acres (470 ha). Following voter passage of a special bond issue, land was acquired to construct a dam across Big Creek, a tributary of the Chariton. Upon its completion in summer 1952, the new reservoir was known as "Lake Kirksville" but by September that year
2318-412: The firm conviction that my action was the means of saving lives and property of hundreds of loyal men and women, I feel that my act was the performance of a public duty." (July 1889 response to an article in "The Century" magazine). In any event, the act earned him the unshakeable title of "Butcher of Palmyra." As a pair, McNeil and his nemesis, Joseph C. Porter, illustrate particularly well the horrors of
2379-437: The first and third Monday of each month. The Kirksville City Council Members as of Feb. 2021 were: The city of Kirksville provides residents with full-time fire and police departments, along with water, sewer, and street maintenance service. Citywide trash removal is contracted by the city with a private contractor, currently Advanced Disposal Environmental Service, and is mandatory for all residents or property owners. Recycling
2440-526: The governor for drill. Union supporters feared they might attack the St. Louis Arsenal . Captain Nathaniel Lyon , aware that the governor had secretly had artillery shipped from the Confederacy to the militia, surrounded the State troops and forced their surrender. Subsequently, as the prisoners were being marched downtown a riot began. Union troops - mostly green German volunteers - fired into
2501-512: The immigrants were well-educated, and that the main barrier to success was specifically a lack of English knowledge. Kirksville is a Missouri Third-Class city, operating as a council-manager government . A paid city manager and staff handle the day-to-day operations and report to the city council. Candidates for Kirksville city council are not required to have any party affiliation (i.e. Republican or Democrat) in order to run for office. The only requirements are to be at least 21 years of age,
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2562-467: 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
2623-429: The land. Missouri Governor Forrest Smith , who attended the 1953 ceremony, has been erroneously linked to several historical accounts that claim Forest Lake was named in his honor. A series of Native American rock carvings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places , are protected in an enclosed observation and interpretation center. The carvings are estimated to date back at least 1,500 years. The park's lake
2684-610: The line until 1995. After failed attempts from buyers wanting to purchase the line and turn it into a shortline railroad, work began on tearing down the railroad from Moberly, MO northward toward La Plata, MO where it has a connection with the BNSF Railway and from Moulton, IA southward toward La Plata, MO. The portion of the line from Moulton, IA northward towards Albia was purchased by the Appanoose County Community Railroad . In late September 1997,
2745-404: The name of the city has no connection to John Kirk, onetime 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;
2806-411: The population. There were 6,583 households, out of which 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.1% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.8% were non-families. 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and
2867-564: The summer in pursuit of Porter, who had been ordered into the region to recruit troops to be sent into the Confederacy for training, as well as to generally disrupt Union operations. McNeil decisively defeated Porter at the Battle of Kirksville , and was lightly wounded in the action. In the aftermath of the fighting, he ordered the execution of fifteen allegedly paroled Confederates, charges which have been derided by some, and an action which would be held against him by others, particularly in light of his actions at Palmyra (see below). He also ordered
2928-564: The tracks through Kirksville were finally torn out, leaving the city without a rail line. The project to tear out the abandoned line was completed by the end of 1997. The City of Kirksville operates the Kirksville Regional Airport (formerly Clarence Cannon Airport), four miles (6 km) south of the city by the village of Millard . In 1952, the United States Air Force opened a radar base that
2989-430: The war and the difficulty of moral evaluation; it seems likely that the culpability of each was minimized by his own side and exaggerated by the other. McNeil was made brigadier general to rank from November 29, 1862. In the spring of 1863, McNeil held Cape Girardeau with 1,700 men against Gen. John Sappington Marmaduke 's force of 10,000. In 1864 he was appointed to command the district of Rolla, Missouri , and, with
3050-549: The war, to date from the day of his resignation. Subsequently, McNeil was clerk of the criminal court in St. Louis County, Missouri 1865–67; sheriff of the county, 1866–70, and clerk of the criminal court again, 1875–76. He was in 1876 commissioner to the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia , was an inspector in the U. S. Indian service in 1878 and 1882, and at the time of his death was superintendent of
3111-504: Was $ 16,688 (+/- $ 2,033). Approximately, 10.6% of families and 28.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 19.2% of those under the age of 18 and 13.9% of those ages 65 or over. As of the census of 2010, there were 17,505 people, 6,714 households, and 3,066 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,216.5 inhabitants per square mile (469.7/km ). There were 7,434 housing units at an average density of 516.6 per square mile (199.5/km ). The racial makeup of
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#17327877649233172-400: Was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.90. The median age in the city was 23.8 years. 16.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 36% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19% were from 25 to 44; 17.5% were from 45 to 64; and 11.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.1% male and 53.9% female. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population on July 1, 2017
3233-477: Was 23.7 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 86.6 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 36,228 (with a margin of error of +/- $ 5,059) and the median family income was $ 55,982 (+/- $ 8,114). Males had a median income of $ 21,690 (+/- $ 3,486) versus $ 12,899 (+/- $ 3,029) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old
3294-414: Was 82.28% (14,424) white , 7.25% (1,271) black or African-American , 0.22% (38) Native American , 3.65% (639) Asian , 0.06% (10) Pacific Islander , 1.15% (202) from other races , and 5.4% (946) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 1.9% (338) of the population. Of the 6,259 households, 20.4% had children under the age of 18; 31.8% were married couples living together; 34.1% had
3355-588: Was discontinued in 2017. In 2023, the park began hosting an annual Earth Day event in April and Archaeology Day in September. Kirksville, Missouri 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 three colleges: Truman State University , Moberly Area Community College , and A.T. Still University . Kirksville
3416-561: Was estimated to be 17,536. As of the census of 2000, there were 16,988 people, 6,583 households, and 2,975 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,624.0 inhabitants per square mile (627.0/km ). There were 7,303 housing units at an average density of 698.2 per square mile (269.6/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 94.38% White , 1.73% African American , 0.26% Native American , 1.93% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 0.59% from other races , and 1.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of
3477-474: Was handed over to the Confederacy, but the threat was not carried out. It was also true that a number of local Union-supporters had pleaded with McNeil for the lives of the captives (Allsman's wife not among them). The local loyalist paper however supported McNeil: "The madness of rebellion has become so deep seated that ordinary methods of cure are inadequate." ( Palmyra Courier , October 18, 1862) and McNeil himself would respond years later "... cherishing, as I do,
3538-500: Was home to the 790th Radar Squadron, an Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, in Sublette , about 10 mi (16 km) north of Kirksville. The Air Force inactivated the 790th Radar Squadron in 1968. The Federal Aviation Administration took over running the radar and most of the surrounding 78.51 acres (317,700 m ) were given to Northeast Missouri State University . The current radar, an Air Route Surveillance Radar - Model 3,
3599-524: Was known as a strong Democrat and closely allied with Southern men. On May 8, 1861, however, McNeil enlisted in the Union volunteers and was immediately made captain of a company. Shortly afterwards, he was promoted to colonel of the 3rd Regiment, U.S. Reserve Corps Infantry . On May 10, 1861, he commanded some troops at the notorious Camp Jackson Affair at the present day Frost Campus of St. Louis University . The Missouri militia had been called up by
3660-450: 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,
3721-665: Was scrapped in 1982–1983, after the Staggers Rail Act deregulated the rail industry. The depot which serviced along the Burlington Northern in Kirksville still stands along Elson Street just north of Cottonwood Street and plans are that it will be renovated. Kirksville's other railroad, the Wabash Railroad , became the Norfolk and Western Railway in October, 1964. This north-south line later became
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