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Knob Noster is
located on U.S. Highway 50, approximately 60 miles east of Kansas City,
Missouri. A short distance northeast of town there are two hills,
called knobs. The hills have become a landmark for the community
and are closely related to the organization and background of the town.
According to
historical information, the name Knob Noster is taken from the
hills. Knob, meaning the hills, and "noster", being the Latin
derivation meaning "our", were formed together to create "Our Knob", or
Knob Noster.
Knob Noster had
its beginning in 1850 when a post office was established in the
original “Old Town” settlement, located one mile north of the present
town. W.A. Wortham then settled in Knob Noster in 1854. By
1860, when the Missouri Pacific Railroad made its way into the
territory, the town had a population of 450, with 30 professions and
businesses, a Masonic Lodge and seminary. When the current owner
of the land that would bring the railroad through town would not give
up the land to make that possible, Sam Workman took 40 acres of his
land and laid out the town and offered the railroad some of his
property. He then laid out a town one mile south of the original
settlement.
In 1867, the frame
buildings that had been constructed on Main Street burned. Brick
to rebuild the buildings was acquired from a company located a short
distance outside of town. Although the buildings have changed a
great deal from 1850, the atmosphere of hospitality and friendliness is
still apparent in this community where Whiteman Air Force Base and Knob
Noster State Park have become an integral part of the community life.
Originally, Knob
Noster was primarily a farming community. With the advent of
Whiteman Air Force Base and the tourist attraction of Knob Noster State
Park, the town's population has grown to the present
estimated count of nearly 2,800.
The city of Knob
Noster has established and maintained public improvements that support
a full service community. Although the city remains relatively
small, its location allows for a strong industrial and commercial
business base, local sales tax revenue, and the development of a higher
quality of life.
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