City of Fountains in Kansas City, Mo is a name given to Kansas City because of all the fountains they have all over the city. Fountains have been built in Kansas City starting with the first fountain in 1904, which was for horses, dogs and birds. It was around the time the Kansas City Humane Society was started to aid in the prevention of cruelty to children, women and animals. The first fountain, built near the west end of the intercity, was a big square pedestal four sections for dogs to drink water and a large 4' granite pool for the horses. There was also a lion's mouth with a spigot where humans could get fresh water for a drink. Any access water would go into the dog's pools. It also had a streetlight on the top of it, so it served a few different purposes.
Through the years, there have been fountains built in many locations and for many purposes. The first fountains were built over springs so they would be able to provide drinking water for the animals. Kansas City has some fountains today that are over 300 years old. Second only to Rome, Italy, Kansas City has the second most fountains in their city. One of the fountains in Kansas City, the Northland Fountain, works year, constantly flowing. In the winter, it forms an ice sculpture. This fountain is also referred to as the "Spirit of Cooperation". Adults and organizations are not the only responsible for the many fountains in the City of Fountains as the children have contributed as well. The J.C. Nichols Fountain, which is on the Plaza, received more than $50,000 from the Kansas City children. This fountain is also the most prominent fountain in Kansas City as well as the most photographed.
