History of Kirkwood, Missouri,
was established in 1853 and today is a 9-square-mile community with a population of 27,324 (according to 2000 census information). Located in West St. Louis County, Kirkwood boasts high property values, quality public and private schools, safe neighborhoods and exceptional city services. Over 300 acres of park land can be found throughout the community, from a large central park that includes an aquatic center, ice rink, outdoor amphitheater, ball fields, tennis courts, picnic sites, and playground areas to smaller neighborhood parks.It’s called “Queen of the St. Louis Suburbs,” an honor Kirkwood has proudly accepted since the late 1800s. As the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi River, Kirkwood owes its very existence to the railroad. The city was even named after James Pugh Kirkwood, the engineer in charge of locating, surveying and building the railroad. From the beginning, it’s been a love affair between citizens and trains, as evidenced by the beautiful, historic train station located in the heart of the city. Built in 1893, the station, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a favorite subject of local and national photographers. It currently serves as a stop for daily Amtrak passenger trains.MORE