Sullivan, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sullivan, Missouri
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| City of Sullivan | |
Location of Sullivan, Missouri
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| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| Counties | Franklin, Crawford |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Incorporated | 1883 |
| Named for | Stephen Sullivan |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.19 sq mi (21.21 km2) |
| • Land | 8.19 sq mi (21.21 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 974 ft (297 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 6,906 |
| • Density | 843.22/sq mi (325.59/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
63080
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| Area code(s) | 573 |
| FIPS code | 29-71440 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2395998 |
Sullivan is a city located in the state of Missouri, USA. It sits right on the edge of two counties: Franklin and Crawford. In 2020, about 6,906 people lived in Sullivan.
Contents
History of Sullivan
Sullivan's story began on January 28, 1839. That's when the U.S. Government sold 120 acres of land to Garretson P. Hardy. Later, in 1848, this land was sold to William and Mary Smith.
How Sullivan Got Its Name
In June 1856, Stephen and Dorcas Sullivan bought the land from the Smiths. They also bought an extra 49 acres. This area became the original town site. When a post office opened on July 25, 1856, it was first called "Mount Helicon". This name came from a mythical mountain in Greece.
However, the name changed in 1859. Stephen Sullivan gave land for a railroad to pass through. He even built the train station himself. Because of this, the railroad named the station "Sullivan." Soon after, the post office also changed its name to Sullivan.
Growth of the City
Between 1920 and 1960, Sullivan grew very quickly. Its population went from about 900 people to over 4,000. This made it one of the fastest-growing cities in Missouri during that time.
A special building, the Maj. Gen. William S. Harney Summer Home, was recognized for its history in 1984. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography of Sullivan
Sullivan is easy to find because it's located where two major roads meet: Interstate 44 and Missouri Route 185. The city is split between Franklin and Crawford counties.
Just east of Sullivan, the Meramec River flows through Meramec State Park. This park is a beautiful natural area. The city covers a total area of about 8.2 square miles (21.2 square kilometers), and all of it is land.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 155 | — | |
| 1900 | 714 | — | |
| 1910 | 934 | 30.8% | |
| 1920 | 909 | −2.7% | |
| 1930 | 2,013 | 121.5% | |
| 1940 | 2,517 | 25.0% | |
| 1950 | 3,019 | 19.9% | |
| 1960 | 4,098 | 35.7% | |
| 1970 | 5,111 | 24.7% | |
| 1980 | 5,461 | 6.8% | |
| 1990 | 5,661 | 3.7% | |
| 2000 | 6,351 | 12.2% | |
| 2010 | 7,081 | 11.5% | |
| 2020 | 6,906 | −2.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Historically, some towns in the U.S. had rules that made it difficult for African Americans to live or stay there after dark. These were sometimes called "sundown towns." As late as 1990, Sullivan had a sign related to this past.
However, the community has worked to move past this history. For example, in 2017, the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce chose Stefan Wehmeyer, an African American, as the community's "Man of the Year." Later that year, the Life House Youth Center opened. This center helps children aged 10-17 with homework, learning, and social activities, all for free.
What the 2020 Census Shows
In 2020, Sullivan had 6,906 people living there. There were 3,061 households.
- About 92.7% of the people were White.
- About 0.5% were African American.
- About 0.4% were Native American.
- About 0.5% were Asian.
- About 0.9% were from other races.
- About 5.0% were from two or more races.
- About 2.5% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Sullivan was 43.2 years old.
- 21.5% of residents were under 18.
- 27.1% were between 45 and 64.
- 20.2% were 65 or older.
What the 2010 Census Showed
In 2010, Sullivan had 7,081 people. There were 2,829 households.
- About 97.4% of the people were White.
- About 0.2% were African American.
- About 0.4% were Native American.
- About 0.4% were Asian.
- About 0.6% were from other races.
- About 1.0% were from two or more races.
- About 2.2% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in the city was 35.6 years.
- 26.5% of residents were under 18.
- 21.7% were between 45 and 64.
- 16.6% were 65 or older.
Education in Sullivan
Students in Sullivan attend schools run by the Sullivan School District. This district has:
- One primary school
- One elementary school
- One middle school
- Sullivan High School
There is also a private school called St. Anthony Catholic School. It teaches students from pre-kindergarten up to eighth grade. Sullivan also has a public library that is part of the Scenic Regional Library system.
Famous People from Sullivan
Some well-known people have connections to Sullivan:
- Jim Bottomley – A famous baseball player who is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
- William S. Harney – A general from the 1800s.
- George Hearst – A U.S. Senator from California. He was the father of William Randolph Hearst, a famous newspaper publisher.
- Elvin Mesger – A bowler who holds a special record for high scores.
Historic Places to Visit
Sullivan and its nearby areas have several interesting historic sites:
- Major General William S. Harney Summer Home – This home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
- Meramec State Park Beach Area Historic District
- Meramec State Park Lookout House/Observation Tower
- Meramec State Park Pump House
- Meramec State Park Shelter House
- Historic Route 66 – A famous old highway that passes near Sullivan.
Images for kids
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A robot for kids.
See also
In Spanish: Sullivan (Misuri) para niños
