Springfield, Missouri

Springfield, Missouri
City
Nickname:  The Queen City of the Ozarks
Location in the state of Missouri
Country	United States
State	Missouri
Counties	Greene, Christian
Founded	1838
Area
• Total	73.8 sq mi (191.1 km2)
• Land	73.2 sq mi (189.5 km2)
• Water	0.6 sq mi (1.7 km2)
Elevation	1,299 ft (396 m)
Population  (2007)
• Total	154,777
• Density	2,072.0/sq mi (800.0/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes	65800-65899
Area code	417
FIPS code	29-70000Template:GR
GNIS feature ID	0735864Template:GR
Website	http://www.springfieldmo.gov/home/

Springfield is a city in Greene County in the U.S. state of Missouri. On July 1, 2007, its estimated population was 154,777 living in Greene County making it the third largest in Missouri. It is the county seat of Greene County.Template:GR The Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area includes the counties of Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk, and Webster. According to Forbes magazine's list of "America's Wildest Weather Cities," Springfield is the city with the most varied weather in the nation.

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 151,580 people, 64,691 households, and 35,709 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,072.0 people per square mile (800.0/km²). There were 69,650 housing units at an average density of 952.1/sq mi (367.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.69% White, 3.27% African American, 0.75% Native American, 1.36% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 1.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.31% of the population.

There were 64,691 households out of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.8% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the city the population was spread out with 19.9% under the age of 18, 17.4% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,563, and the median income for a family was $38,114. Males had a median income of $27,778 versus $20,980 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,711. About 9.9% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

Downtown

Like many cities across the nation, Springfield has seen a major resurgence in its downtown area. Many of the older buildings have been, and are continuing to be, renovated into mixed-use buildings such as lofts, office space, restaurants, boutiques and music venues.

Located within the Downtown Springfield CID (Community Improvement District) are historic theaters that have been restored to their original state, including the Gillioz Theater, and the Landers Theatre.

In 2001 the first phase of the Jordan Valley Park opened along with the Mediacom Ice Park. The Springfield Exposition Center opened in 2003 and development continues in the area.

There are currently over 400 lofts in downtown Springfield, but the city expects there to be over 1,200 by 2012.

Education

The public high schools in Springfield are Central High School, Kickapoo High School (which was attended by Brad Pitt and Lucas Grabeel), Hillcrest High School, Parkview High School, and Glendale High School. Private schools include Springfield Sudbury School and Greenwood Laboratory School. There are several private, Christian schools in Springfield as well, including New Covenant Academy, Springfield Lutheran School, Springfield Catholic High School, and Christian Schools of Springfield.

Colleges and universities located in Springfield include Missouri State University (until 2005 it was known as Southwest Missouri State University, or SMSU), Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Baptist Bible College, Central Bible College, Drury University (known as Drury College until 2000) (which was attended by Bob Barker), Evangel University (until 2000 it was known as Evangel College, or EC), Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Ozarks Technical Community College, St. John's College of Nursing and Health Sciences of Southwest Baptist University, Vatterott College, Everest College, Cox College (Nursing School), Webster University, and Bryan College. There are also three Cosmetology Schools, Academy of Hair Design, The System (A Paul Mitchell School) and Missouri College of Cosmetology (A Pivot Point School)

For the third year in a row, America's Promise Alliance in 2008 ranked Springfield as a "100 Best Community for Young People" [1]. "The 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People includes cities and small towns located across the United States that are wonderful places for youth to live and grow up."

In June 2008, Best Life Magazine ranked Springfield tenth on a list of Worst Cities to Raise a Family in America. The magazine editors used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, National Center for Education Statistics, FBI, American Association of Museums, National Center for Health Statistics, and American Bar Association to evaluate 257 cities. The editors realized that, "They want to raise their children somewhere safe, where they can attend good schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, above-average test scores, and respectable budgets. Plenty of museums, parks, and pediatricians also contribute to a good quality of life, whereas multihour commutes, expensive houses, and divorcing friends and neighbors do not." (taken from magazine article)

Worldwide ERC named Springfield among "The Best Cities for Relocating Families" in 2007.

Springfield was recognized by the World Health Organization as a "Safe Community."

Economy

The following national firms are headquartered in Springfield:

• Bass Pro Shops
• John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts
• Noble & Associates
• O'Reilly Auto Parts

The Milken Institute ranked Springfield in 2007 as a "Best Performing City" for creating and sustaining jobs. Expansion Management Magazine recently listed Springfield among "Best Mid-Sized Metros for Recruitment and Attraction."

Famous People

• Notable People Associated with Springfield

Geography and Climate

Springfield is located at 37°11′42″N 93°17′10″W (37.2, -93.3).Template:GR According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 73.8 square miles (191.1 km²), of which, 73.2 square miles (189.5 km²) of it is land and 0.6 square miles (1.7 km²) of it (0.87%) is water.

Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rec High °F	76	81	87	93	93	101	113	106	104	93	81	77
Norm High °F	41.6	47.7	57.8	67.7	75.9	84.6	89.9	89.5	81.2	70.6	56.4	45.5
Norm Low °F	21.8	26.4	34.9	43.6	53.4	62.2	67.1	65.6	57.4	46.1	35.3	25.9
Rec Low °F	-13	-17	-3	18	30	42	44	44	31	18	4	-16
Precip (in)	2.11	2.28	3.82	4.31	4.57	5.02	3.56	3.37	4.83	3.47	4.46	3.17
Source: USTravelWeather.com [2]

Government

Springfield is governed by a City Council. The current mayor is Tom Carlson.

History

Early 1800s

The territory known as Missouri was included in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Soon after, the Delaware Native Americans received treaty land where Springfield’s Sequiota Park and the antique stores of its Galloway Village stand today. To the west, 500 Kickapoo Native Americans built their wickiups on the prairie that still bears their name. Missouri became a state in 1821.

In 1833, the legislature designated most of the southern portion of Missouri a single county. It was named for Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, largely through John Polk Campbell’s campaign to honor a man he admired. A Tennessee homesteader, Campbell was the founder of Springfield, announcing his claim in 1829. Springfield was incorporated in 1838.

In 1838, the Cherokee Native Americans were forcibly removed by the U.S. government from their homelands in Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia, then moved to the “Indian Territory.” The move became known as the Trail of Tears due to the thousands of Cherokee deaths on the journey and those who perished as a result of the relocation. The Trail of Tears traveled through the Springfield area via what is known today as the Old Wire Road. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail auto tour route is along Interstate 44 westward to U.S. 160 (West By-pass in Springfield) and westward along U.S. 60.

The Old Wire Road, then known as the Military Road, served until the mid-1840s as a connection between Springfield and the garrison at Fort Smith, Arkansas. By 1858, the Butterfield Overland Stage began utilizing the road offering passage to California. Two years later, the region’s first telegraph line was strung along the road at which time it was dubbed the Telegraph or Wire Road. The road proved vital during the Civil War, and its most historic connection is to the Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas. While portions of the road exist today, the most easily accessible is within Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

1861-65 Civil War

During the Civil War, Missouri was divided and a number of battles were fought in the Ozarks. Springfield itself saw a short but violent clash in 1863.

Following the Civil War, Springfield saw some growth from Westward expansion. In 1865 the first “quick draw” duel of Old West fame took place on the town square when Wild Bill Hickok killed Davis Tutt Jr. in the only known high noon shoot out. The first train of the Atlantic-Pacific Railway, which became the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway or "Frisco," arrived in 1870. This led to rapid growth and for many decades Springfield prospered as an important railway junction.

Battle of Wilson’s Creek - With civil war imminent, Springfield was divided in its sentiments. On August 10, 1861, army units clashed near Wilson’s Creek, the site of the first major battle west of the Mississippi River, involving about 5,400 Union troops and 12,000 Confederates.

General Nathaniel Lyon was killed, the first Union general to die in combat. The Confederates were victorious. Union troops fell back to Lebanon, then Rolla, and regrouped. When they returned to Springfield, the Confederates had withdrawn. The battle led to increased military activity in Missouri and set the stage for the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862.

The National Park Service, recognizing the significance of the battle, designated Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in 1960. The 1,750-acre battlefield remains greatly unchanged and stands as one of the most historically pristine battle sites in the country.

Battle of Springfield - For two years following the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, possession of the city seesawed. Then in January 1863, Confederate forces under General John S. Marmaduke advanced toward the town square and battle ensued. As evening approached, the Confederates withdrew. The next morning, the Confederates left town and General Marmaduke sent a message to Union forces asking for proper burials for Confederate casualties. The city would stay under Union control until the end of the war.

Springfield National Cemetery - Two years after the war ended, the Springfield National Cemetery was created. The dead of both the North and the South interred there, though separated by a low stone wall.

1865 Wild Bill Hickok Shootout

“Wild Bill” Hickok - In the wake of the Civil War, Springfield helped give birth to the Wild West era. In July 1865, the town square was the site of the nation’s first-recorded shootout. The incident between Wild Bill Hickok and Dave Tutt was also significant due to the incredible marksmanship exhibited by Wild Bill that made him known worldwide.

Following a poker game in Kelly Kerr Saloon on Park Central Square, Tutt claimed Hickok owed him money and took his pocket watch as collateral. Tutt claimed he would wear it in public to show that Hickok didn’t pay his debts.

The next day from 75 yards away, Tutt fired a shot at Hickok, barely missing his head. Hickok fired back and killed Tutt with a bullet through the heart. The event made nationwide news.

1870 The Railroad Arrives

On April 21, 1870, the St. Louis-San Francisco line rolled through Springfield, establishing a new city, North Springfield, with Commercial Street as its downtown. Commercial and industrial diversification came with the railroads and strengthened the City of Springfield when the two towns merged 17 years later in 1887. Today visitors can enjoy the view from the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, peering below to the locomotive path which is still in use.

1906 Lynching

In 1906, a mob broke into the town jail and lynched three African-American men, Horace Duncan, Fred Coker, and Will Allen. They were hanged and burned by a mob over 2,000 strong without trial in the town square. This event sparked a mass exodus of African-Americans from the area, who still remain an extreme minority. The men were hung on the town square from a tower which held a replica of the Statue of Liberty. In the immediate aftermath of the infamous event, two commemorative coins were reportedly issued. In more recent years, many residents were regretful that the incident occurred. A small plaque on the south-east corner of the square is the town's only reminder.

1926 Birthplace of Route 66

Officially recognized as the birthplace of Route 66, it was in Springfield on April 30, 1926, that officials first proposed the name of the new Chicago -to- Los Angeles highway. In 1938, Route 66 became the first completely paved transcontinental highway in America —the “Mother Road”—stretching from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Coast. Traces of the Mother Road are still visible in downtown Springfield along Kearney Street, Glenstone Avenue, College and St. Louis streets and on Missouri 266 to Halltown. The red booths and gleaming chrome in mom-and-pop diners, the stone cottages of tourist courts and the many service stations along this route saw America fall in love with the automobile.

Springfield mixes its past with the future as historic Route 66 borders the downtown Jordan Valley Park. The road that once was to be the east/west thoroughfare for travelers in a hurry to get their destinations now serves sightseers who take a more relaxed pace and savor every detail.

Explorers coming through Springfield can choose from two original routes: the colorful downtown area, site of the city's square and several historic events; or bypass the city on the north side.

1950s "Crossroads of Country Music"

Five nationally-broadcast network television programs originated from Springfield from 1955-1961:’'Ozark Jubilee; its two spin-offs, “Junior Jubilee and “Five Star Jubilee; “Talent Varieties; and “The Eddy Arnold Show. All were carried live by ABC except for “Five Star Jubilee, shown by NBC on videotape; and all were country music programs produced by Springfield's Crossroads TV Productions owned by Ralph D. Foster. Many of biggest names in country music frequently visited or lived in Springfield at the time.

Ozark Jubilee was staged at the Jewell Theatre (demolished in 1961).’'Five Star Jubilee, produced from the Landers Theatre, was the first color television program to originate outside of New York City or Hollywood. Ironically, Springfield's NBC affiliate, KYTV-TV (which was helping to produce the program), was not equipped to broadcast in color and aired the show in black-and-white.

Only New York City, Hollywood and Chicago had originated network TV programming prior to “Ozark Jubilee; and during the 1950s, Springfield ranked third in the U.S. for originating television programming behind New York and Hollywood.

National Register of Historic Places

Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque

• Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque
• Christ Episcopal Church
• Gillioz Theater
• Jefferson Street Footbridge
• Landers Theatre
• Springfield National Cemetery
• Lindberg's Tavern
• Stone Chapel
• Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
• Walnut Street Historical District [3]

Museums & Historical Sites

• Battle of Springfield Driving Tour
• Calaboose
• Civil War Library at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
• Commercial Street Historic District
• Dr. Michael J. Clarke History Museum of Ozarks Scouting
• Founders Park
• Gray/Campbell Farmstead
• History Museum for Springfield-Greene County
• Jefferson Avenue Footbridge
• Pythian Castle
• Railroad Historical Museum
• Route 66
• Springfield National Cemetery
• Wild Bill Hickok Shootout Site
• Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Name

The origin of the name Springfield remains unclear. Writing in 1883 the historian R. I. Holcombe states, "The town took its name from the circumstance of there being a spring under the hill, on the creek, while on top of the hill, where the principal portion of the town lay, there was a field." He goes on to note, "This version of the origin of the name is disputed by the editor of the Springfield Express, Mr. J. G. Newbill, who, in the issue of his paper, November 11, 1881, says: 'It has been stated that this city got its name from the fact of a spring and field being near by just west of town. But such is not a correct version. When the authorized persons met and adopted the title of the "Future Great" of the Southwest, several of the earliest settlers had handed in their favorite names, among whom was Kindred Rose, who presented the winning name, "Springfield," in honor of his former home town, Springfield, Robertson county, Tennessee.'" [4]

The most common view is that the city was named for Springfield, Massachusetts. One story is that a man named James Wilson, who lived in the then unnamed city, offered free whiskey to everyone who would vote for naming it after his home town of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Springfield's nickname is the "The Queen City." It is also known as "The Cultural Center of the Ozarks." The area formerly known as North Springfield was once known as Moon City. Springfield is also known as "The Birthplace of Route 66," due to its early connection with the designation of U.S. Route 66. A placard in Park Central Square was dedicated to the city by the Route 66 Association of Missouri for its prominent role in the birth of Route 66.

Tourism

One of Springfield’s top five industries is tourism.

According to the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, an estimated 3 million overnight visitors and millions of day trippers visit the city annually. The city has more than 60 lodging facilities and 6,000 hotel rooms.

The Convention & Visitors Bureau spends more than $1 million annually marketing the city as a travel destination.

Attractions

• Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks
• Askinosie Chocolate
• Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World – The first and largest Bass Pro in the country.
• Candy House Gourmet Chocolates
• Crystal Cave
• Dickerson Park Zoo
• Discovery Center of Springfield
• Fantastic Caverns
• Founders Park
• Gray/Campbell Farmstead
• Jefferson Avenue Footbridge
• Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden
• Missouri Institute of Natural Science-Riverbluff Cave
• Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
• Mizumoto Stroll Garden
• Ozark Greenways
• Pythian Castle
• Springfield Cardinals Baseball
• Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
• Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium (American National Fish and Wildlife Museum – Currently closed for major renovation and expansion. Expected to reopen in early 2010.

Sister Cities

Springfield has three Sister Cities.

• Isesaki, Japan
• Tlaquepaque, Mexico
• Tours, France

Sports

Named a SportsTown USA by Sports Illustrated Magazine, Springfield has two professional sports teams: Springfield Cardinals, a Double-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Springfield Lasers professional tennis team; college teams and many amateur sporting events.

The city is home to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Sports Venues

• Hammons Field Baseball Stadium
• Cooper Sports Complex – soccer, softball, tennis
• JQH Arena at Missouri State University
• Hammons Student Center at Missouri State University
• Multiple golf courses

Transportation

Highways

Springfield is served by Interstate 44 which connects the city with St. Louis and Tulsa, Oklahoma. U.S. Route 60, U.S. Route 65, and U.S. Route 160 pass through the city, and formerly U.S. Route 66 and U.S. Route 166 also passed through the city. Portions of the historic US 66 can still be seen in portions of the city. US 166's eastern terminus was once located in the northeast section of the city, and US 60 originally ended (westbound) in downtown Springfield. US 60 now goes through town on James River Freeway. Route 13 carries traffic north towards Kansas City. Major streets include Glenstone Avenue, Sunshine Street, National Avenue, Campbell Avenue, Kansas Expressway, Battlefield Road, Republic Road, West Bypass, Chestnut Expressway, and Kearney Street.Springfield also has public transportation operated by City Utilities that serves most areas inside the city limits in its fleet of biodiesel-fueled busses.

Railroads

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has a major hub operation in Springfield. Mainlines to and from Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis and Tulsa converge at the railroad's yard facility in the north part of the city. The Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad also operates several miles of (former Missouri Pacific) industrial trackage within the city. Springfield was once home to the headquarters and main shops of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad (Frisco). The Frisco was absorbed by the Burlington Northern in 1980. The BN subsequently merged with the Santa Fe in 1994, creating the current Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway.

65-plus freight trains travel to, from, and through the city each day. In October 2006, BNSF announced plans to upgrade its Tulsa and Memphis mainlines into Springfield to handle an additional four to six daily intermodal trains between the West Coast and the Southeast. Passenger trains have not served Springfield since 1967.

In 2006 the Missouri Department of Transportation and Amtrak began studying the possibility of restoring service to the city from St. Louis. The proposed service would have utilized the current BNSF "Cuba Subdivision" mainline between the two cities via Rolla. The plan, however, did not materialize.

Springfield-Branson National Airport

Springfield-Branson National Airport serves the city. It is the principal air gateway to Springfield and Branson.

References

"History of the University". 6 Dec. 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

External links

• Official Site of Springfield, Missouri
• Official Site of Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau