The town experienced a rapid population expansion during the late 1800s, until mining efforts began to decline and eventually ended in 1906.

[5] The Prairie View Stock Farm was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

The upper reaches of the Truman Reservoir are two miles east on the Marais des Cygnes River.

[8] As of the census[10] of 2010, there were 1,396 people, 567 households, and 351 families living in the city.

33.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 1,461 people, 617 households, and 391 families living in the city.

There were 727 housing units at an average density of 530 inhabitants per square mile (205/km2).

32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[13] Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Jefferson Lines.