[3] For millennia, the Great Plains of North America were inhabited by nomadic Native Americans.

From the 16th to 18th centuries, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America.

In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France, keeping title to about 7,500 square miles.

In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase.

[6] In October 1884, two women from Chicago, Illinois claimed the land that Scott City is on and built a cabin.

Soon after, many people started arriving in the county and Scott City was then founded in 1885.

De Geer, one of the women that came from Chicago, started a newspaper called the Western Times in March 1885.

[7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.63 square miles (6.81 km2), all land.

[15] The community is served by Scott County USD 466 public school district.

[16] The El Quartelejo Museum and the Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection are co-located in the city.

[17] Their collections cover much of the region's geologic, Indian, and pioneer history.

The Gallery also contains artwork by Jerry Thomas, an artist originally from Scott City.

[19] The Whimmydiddle Arts and Crafts Fair is held on the last Saturday of September in the Scott City Park.

The Beefiesta BBQ is held during the Scott County Free Fair.

[21] Every July 4, a fireworks show is exhibited on the east side of town near the baseball fields.

[21] One weekend every fall, the Sunflower Futurity and Derby is held at the Scott City Indoor Arena.

[21] The annual Carp Contest is held at Lake Scott State Park one weekend during the summer months.

The airport is publicly owned and located on the SE side of Scott City.