KIRKSVILLE

city, seat of Adair county, northeastern Missouri, U.S., near the Chariton River. Founded about 1841 as the county seat, it was known as Long Point and Hopkinsville before being renamed for Jesse Kirk, an early resident. A minor American Civil War battle was fought (1862) nearby. Kirksville is a trading and shipping centre for a grain and livestock area. The city's light manufactures include electrical items and clothing. Truman State University (1867) and the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (the birthplace of osteopathy in the United States, in 1892) are in the city. Thousand Hills State Park is nearby. Inc. town, 1857; city, 1873. Pop. (1990) 17,152; (1994 est.) 17,286.