Peculiar, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peculiar, Missouri
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Sign directing travelers to Peculiar
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Location of Peculiar, Missouri
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| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| County | Cass |
| Area | |
| • Total | 9.11 sq mi (23.59 km2) |
| • Land | 9.06 sq mi (23.48 km2) |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.11 km2) |
| Elevation | 997 ft (304 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,621 |
| • Density | 620.08/sq mi (239.41/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
64078
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| Area code(s) | 816 |
| FIPS code | 29-56756 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2396171 |
Peculiar is a city located in Cass County, Missouri, in the United States. It is part of the larger Kansas City metropolitan area. In 2020, about 5,621 people lived there. The city's fun motto is "Where the 'odds' are with you."
Contents
History of Peculiar
How Peculiar Got Its Name
Early settlers came to Western Missouri by riverboat from many different states. These included Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Families also came from Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. On July 29, 1868, the county surveyor, Robert Cass, officially planned the town. It was named "The Town of Peculiar."
There are two main stories about how Peculiar got its unique name.
The Postmaster's Story
One story involves Edgar Thomson, the town's first postmaster. He tried to name the town "Excelsior," but that name was already taken. Several other names he suggested were also rejected. The story says that Thomson became annoyed. He wrote to the Postmaster General to complain. He supposedly said, "We don't care what name you give us so long as it is sort of 'peculiar'." Thomson then suggested "Peculiar," and the name was approved. The post office officially opened on June 22, 1868.
The Settlers' Vision Story
Another story comes from Missouri folklorist Margot Ford McMillen. She says that early settlers were looking for a good place to farm. As they cleared a small hill and looked down, one person supposedly said, "Well that's peculiar! It's the very place I saw in a vision back in Connecticut." They bought the land, and eventually, a village grew there. It was named "Peculiar."
Peculiar's Growth and Celebrations
Peculiar officially became a village in the 1890s. Later, in 1953, it became a fourth-class city in Missouri.
The city celebrated its 100th birthday in July 1968. The celebrations lasted for nine days! They included an antique show, a Lions Club championship rodeo, and a Western horse show.
Geography of Peculiar
Peculiar is located right next to U.S. Route 71. It is also near the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. The older part of Peculiar is about one mile to the east. It sits along the banks of the East Fork East Branch South Grand River.
The United States Census Bureau says the city covers about 8.45 square miles (21.89 km2) in total. Most of this area, about 8.41 square miles (21.78 km2), is land. A small part, about 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2), is water.
Population and People
Peculiar's Population Over Time
The population of Peculiar has grown quite a bit over the years.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 104 | — | |
| 1910 | 205 | 97.1% | |
| 1920 | 283 | 38.0% | |
| 1930 | 227 | −19.8% | |
| 1940 | 206 | −9.3% | |
| 1950 | 267 | 29.6% | |
| 1960 | 458 | 71.5% | |
| 1970 | 705 | 53.9% | |
| 1980 | 1,571 | 122.8% | |
| 1990 | 1,777 | 13.1% | |
| 2000 | 2,604 | 46.5% | |
| 2010 | 4,608 | 77.0% | |
| 2020 | 5,621 | 22.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Life in Peculiar (2010 Census)
In 2010, there were 4,608 people living in Peculiar. There were 1,704 households, which are groups of people living together. Most of these, 1,268, were families.
The average age of people in the city was 32.8 years old.
- About 29.1% of residents were under 18 years old.
- About 8.2% were between 18 and 24 years old.
- About 29.9% were between 25 and 44 years old.
- About 22.9% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- About 10% were 65 years old or older.
The city had slightly more females (50.9%) than males (49.1%).
Education in Peculiar
The Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District manages public education in Peculiar. This district helps students learn and grow.
Peculiar also has a public library, called the Peculiar Branch library. Libraries are great places to find books, learn new things, and use computers.
Media and Culture
Music Inspired by Peculiar
In 2022, a folksinger named Willi Carlisle released an album titled Peculiar, Missouri. The album is named after the town. One song even mentions a local Walmart in the area.
Notable People from Peculiar
Many interesting people have connections to Peculiar. Here are a few:
- Pete Brewster: A football player and coach. He also played college football and basketball.
- Carson Coffman: An AFL player for the Spokane Shock.
- Chase Coffman: An NFL tight end who played for the Indianapolis Colts.
- Paul Coffman: Another NFL player, known for playing with the Minnesota Vikings.
- Brutus Hamilton: A decathlete and a track and field coach.
- Tonya Knight: A well-known bodybuilder.
- Austin Petersen: A writer, political activist, commentator, and broadcaster.
See also
In Spanish: Peculiar (Misuri) para niños
