[5] Kingston was laid out in 1843, and named for Austin Augustus King, at the time judge, and afterward 10th Governor of Missouri.

[8] The Caldwell County Courthouse and Far West are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.52 square miles (1.35 km2), all land.

38.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the city was 98.95% White, 0.35% African American, and 0.70% from two or more races.

35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

About 15.4% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 10.0% of those 65 or over.