Once Missouri had become a state in 1821, a few years later European-American settlers by the name of John Polk and Madison Campbell, two brothers who were homesteaders from Tennessee, traveled to southwest Missouri for prospecting land. On March 4, 1830, they landed near a spring and while camping there Madison Campbell had the desire to use the field around the spring for his farm. To claim the land, it is said he carved his name on an ash tree near the spring and currently, this same spot is now a part of Founders Park. Three years later in the year 1833, Campbell decided to donate 50 acres of the land to establish a town and two acres he wanted to be used as a public square. As new settlers trickled in, lots were sold and Greene county was slowly organized by Campell. By 1835, there were almost 500 people residing in the area which would later be known as Springfield. By the 1860s the population of Springfield had increased dramatically and the town's significance grew as it became an important commercial hub for the surrounding areas. As the industry grew and the economy improved, the city evolved. By 1850 it had telegraph lines and news from the western regions traveled via land and then telegraph lines to what was then called the New York Associated Press. Before this telegraph lines had only existed in St. Louis, Missouri. During the American Civil War, Springfield was not loyal to one side as people from both the North and the South resided in the region. Because the town was placed in an ideal location, it was fought over for control by both sides and used for its strategic importance as well. After the end of the Civil War, the area became more industrialized and commercialized after a railroad line by St. Louis-San Francisco Railway was constructed on the north side of the city. The division gave birth to a new city known as North Springfield and was known as North Town or Moon Town, however, in 1887 both cities agreed to unify under the single name Springfield.

One of the best ways to destress from the hassles of daily life is to step outdoors and spend some time in nature. Whether you are single or with family or friends, Springfield is teeming with nature spots with scenic beauty and breathtaking views.

You can take a stroll in the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden which is a little piece of Japan at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. The 7.5 acres of land includes a large koi lake, meditation garden, moon bridge, and tea house all surrounded by traditional Japanese landscaping. At the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, you can learn the importance of conservation while you enjoy the walking trails, nature and conservation exhibits, fishing, and hiking.

If you have a taste for craft beer, visiting the Mother’s Brewing Company is a must. A brewery is in a restored old bread company building that will welcome you for tours every Saturday with outdoor events arranged as well to get acquainted with the community as you sip beers.

Nature is not all that the city offers, enjoy a baseball game with the Springfield Cardinals on the weekends at the stadium, tour the infamous Route 66 Museum which has cars from the early 1900s on display, or do a little shopping at the Battlefield Mall.