**Geography and Demographics**:
– Excelsior Springs is located along the East Fork Fishing River.
– The city covers a total area of 10.45 square miles, with 10.43 square miles being land and 0.02 square miles water.
– In the 2020 census, Excelsior Springs had a population of 10,553.
– Racial makeup in 2020: 88.51% white, 1.68% black or African-American, 0.61% Native American, 0.38% Asian.
– Median household income was $60,735, with 5.6% of families below the poverty line.
**Historical Development**:
– Founded in 1880 due to the discovery of natural spring water by a Black farmer, Travis Mellion.
– Growth influenced by the discovery of natural spring water in the 1880s to 1910s.
– Excelsior Springs was designated as a village in 1881, leading to rapid growth.
– Several mineral springs found in the area attracted many visitors.
– Hotels like Excelsior and Elms Hotel opened in the late 19th century, along with infrastructure developments like railroads and amusement pavilions.
**Mineral Springs and Recognition**:
– Excelsior Springs is known for its diverse mineral waters.
– Received international recognition at Chicago’s World Fair in 1893.
– The city rebuilt hotels after fires, maintaining its reputation.
– Professor Mason analyzed springs, highlighting rare mineral combinations.
– Sulpho-Saline route opened in 1893, increasing train service.
**Infrastructure and Amenities Development**:
– Park system development approved in the early 1900s.
– Excelsior Springs Golf Course and various buildings were constructed.
– Hourly transportation to Kansas City started in 1912.
– Public utilities expanded, highways connecting Excelsior Springs to Kansas City built.
– City thrived due to improved infrastructure and amenities.
**Economic and Cultural Aspects**:
– Historic downtown district revitalized with the presence of various businesses.
– Two theaters, Paradise Playhouse and Slightly Off-Broadway Theater, attract professional and community productions.
– Excelsior Springs named an All-America City in 1974.
– Notable people from Excelsior Springs include a Democratic Party politician, a former Governor of Colorado, an actress known for Tarzan movies, a visual artist, and a Major League Baseball starting pitcher.
Excelsior Springs is a city in Clay and Ray counties in the U.S. state of Missouri and part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The population was 10,553 at the 2020 census. It is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) northeast of central Kansas City, Missouri.
Excelsior Springs, Missouri | |
|---|---|
 Hall of Waters (now City Hall) | |
 Location of Excelsior Springs, Missouri | |
| Coordinates: 39°20′21″N 94°14′24″W / 39.33917°N 94.24000°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| Counties | Clay, Ray |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10.86 sq mi (28.13 km2) |
| • Land | 10.84 sq mi (28.08 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2) |
| Elevation | 866 ft (264 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 10,553 |
| • Density | 973.25/sq mi (375.79/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code | 64024 |
| Area code | 816 |
| FIPS code | 29-23086 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2394718 |
| Website | City website |