Springfield is a bustling city that is steeped in the past and also in steps with the times. It is the Route 66 birthplace and became known for its famous “Wild Bill’s” shootout. It has contributed to the formation of the Wild West era. Every nook and cranny of the city has a story to tell. The city also became known for its innovation, discovery and adventure. There is plenty to know about the city and to help you get a step closer to the city, here’ are a few facts which will add a bit historical and cultural relevance to the things you see and do in Springfield.
Image By . The original uploader was Joelfun at English Wikipedia (CVBCS) [FAL], via Wikimedia Commons Springfield Geographic and Demographic Fast Facts
- Springfield lies on the Springfield Plateau, Ozark.
- It is located in the southwestern part of Missouri, about 50 miles from Arkansas border (north).
- It is the 3rd largest city in Missouri, United States.
- It is the county seat of Greene County.
- It is served by several interstate highways and U.S. Routes. Interstate-44, U.S. Routes 160, 65 and 60, and Missouri State Highway 13 serve the city.
- The ethnic composition of Springfield includes: White- 88.7%, African American-4.1%, Native American- 0.8%, Asian- 1.9%, Pacific Islander-0.2%, from other races- 1.2%, two or more races- 3.2%.
Springfield History Fast Facts
- In 1838 Springfiled was incorporated and the Cherokees were forcibly moved from their homeland to the Indian territory. Thousands of Cherokees were dead on the journey so it was called "Trail of Tears".
- In 1861, Battle of Wilson’s Creek took place near the city between the army units, led to the division of the region into Northern and Southern supporters.
- In 1863, the Battle of Springfield or the Second Battle of Springfield ensued on the possession of the city. The Confederates left the city and the city remained under the Union control.
- In 1865, Springfield National Cemetery was formed.
- In 1865, the city also served as a site of a historic gunfight that occurred over a gambling dispute between Wild Bill Hickok and Dave Tutt. It is referred as the first real “Wild West” gunfight.
- In 1870, the first railroad line came into Springfield- the St. Louis-San Francisco line passed through the city and a new city “North Springfield” was formed”.
- In 1887, North and South merged and formed the “City of Springfield”.
- In 1926, Route 66 was first created in Springfield and the city was officially recognized as the “Route 66 Birthplace”- the historic highway stretching from Chicago to LA.
- From 1955 to 1960, the first national country music show on TV was broadcasted from Springfield. It featured very famous performers, including Slim Wilson, Red Foley, Brenda Lee, Speedy Haworth and Porter Wagoner.
Springfield Government and Economy Fast Facts
- Springfield has a council-manager type of government.
- The economy of the city is majorly based on the health care, retail, manufacturing, tourism and education.
- The Springfield’s industry is dominated by Health Care sector- Cox Health Systems and Mercy Hospital Springfield.
- The city has national headquarters of Bass Pro Shops, Positronic, O’ Reilly Auto Parts, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, Prime, Inc., BKD, Noble & Associates, and Springfield ReManufacturing.
- The cost of living in Springfield is low than the national average.
- Springfield is a college town and is home to Drury and Evangel Universities, Missouri State University, and Ozarks Technical Community College.
Springfield Important and Interesting Fast Facts
- Springfield is nicknamed as “The Cultural Center of the Ozarks”, “The Queen City of the Ozarks”, and “The Birthplace of Route 66”.
- The city was listed in the “Top 100 Best Places for Business and Careers” by Forbes.
- It was listed in the “Top 100 Best Communities for Young People” by America’s Promise Alliance (2008, 2009 and 2010).
- It was ranked seventeenth in the list of “Next Cities” by the Next Generation Consulting (2008).
- It was labeled as the “Best Performing City for creation and sustenance of Jobs” by the Milken Institute (2007).
- It was listed in “Top 20 Metros (Mid-Sized) for Attraction and Recruitment” by Expansion Management Magazine (2007).
- It was labeled as the “Safe Community” by WHO in 2007.
- It was listed in “The Best Cities for Relocating Families” by Worldwide ERC (2008).
- “The Springfield News- Leader” is the daily newspaper of Springfield.
