The town remained known as Brownsville until 1887. A newspaper account said, ‘The name of Brownsville is to be changed to Sweet Springs, the reasons for the change are substantial and numerous, but the greatest reason, it is claimed, is the confusion of mail matter, there being no less than twenty-five Brownsvilles in the United States.’ Signed by 165 people, this petition (the third to be circulated) precipitated a unanimous vote. On August 11, 1887, Sweet Springs became the official home of 1,168 people. A public ceremony was held to commemorate the event. An inflated balloon, bearing the name Brownsville was released. As it disappeared into the skies, residents shouted, “Goodbye, Brownsville; Welcome, Sweet Springs.”