View source for Springfield, Missouri

{{about|the city|the metropolitan area|Springfield metropolitan area, Missouri}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Springfield, Missouri
| settlement_type    = [[City]]
<!-- images, nickname, motto -->| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                     = infobox
| total_width                = 280
| caption_align              = center
| image_style                = border:1;
| perrow                     = 1/2/2/1
| image1                     = Downtown Springfield, MO and Hammons Field.jpg

| caption1                   = [[Hammons Field]] and Downtown Springfield
| image2                     = Aquarium entrance.jpg

| caption2                   = [[Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium|Wonders of Wildlife]]
| image3                     = ParkCentralSquarefountainbyCVBCS.jpg

| caption3                   = Park Central Square
| image4                     = Commercial Street Historic District, Springfield, Missouri.jpg
| caption4                   = [[Commercial Street Historic District (Springfield, Missouri)|Commercial Street
]]
| image5                     = MissouriStateUniversityMeyerCarillon.jpg

| caption5                   = [[Missouri State University]]
| image6                     = Pythian Home of Missouri - Green County MO retouched.jpg

| caption6                   = [[Pythian Home of Missouri|Pythian Castle]]
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of Springfield, Missouri.svg
| image_seal         = 
| nicknames           = The "Queen City of the Ozarks"<br />"Birthplace of Route&nbsp;66"
| image_map          = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=y|frame-width=270|frame-height=200|frame-align=center|zoom=4|type=point|title=Springfield, Missouri|marker=city|type2=shape|stroke-width2=2|stroke-color2=#808080}}
| map_caption        = Interactive map of Springfield
| coordinates        = {{coord|37|12|55|N|93|17|54|W|region:US-MO|display=inline,title}}<ref name=gnis/>
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flagu|United States}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Missouri|Counties]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon|Missouri}} [[Missouri]]
| subdivision_name2  = {{hlist|[[Greene County, Missouri|Greene]]|[[Christian County, Missouri|Christian]]}}
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 1834
| established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date2  = 1838
| established_title3 = 
| established_date3  = 
| government_type    = [[Council–manager government|Council–manager]]
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of Springfield, Missouri|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Jeff Schrag
| leader_title1      = 
| leader_name1       = 
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=August 28, 2022}}</ref>
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 216.78
| area_total_sq_mi   = 83.70
| area_land_km2      = 215.26
| area_land_sq_mi    = 83.11
| area_water_km2     = 1.52
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.59
| area_metro_km2     = 7824
| area_metro_sq_mi   = 3021
<!-- Population -->| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_m        = 
| elevation_ft       = 1299
| population_total   = 169176
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = 
| population_density_km2 = 785.91
| population_density_sq_mi = 2035.49
| population_est     = 170596
| pop_est_as_of      = 2024
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
| population_urban   = 282,651 (US: [[List of United States urban areas|143rd]])<ref name="urban area">{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/29/2022-28286/2020-census-qualifying-urban-areas-and-final-criteria-clarifications|title=2020 Census Qualifying Urban Areas and Final Criteria Clarifications|author=United States Census Bureau|website=Federal Register|date=December 29, 2022}}</ref>
| population_density_urban_km2 = 812.4
| population_density_urban_sq_mi = 2,104.1
| population_metro   = 475,432 (US: [[List of Metropolitan Statistical Areas|111th]])
| population_rank    = US: [[List of United States cities by population|152nd]]
| population_demonym = Springfieldian
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code        = 65801-65810, 65814, 65817, 65890, 65897-65899
| area_code          = [[Area code 417|417]]
| website            = [https://springfieldmo.gov/ springfieldmo.gov]
| leader_title2      = 
| leader_name2       = <!-- Area -->
| timezone           = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| utc_offset         = &minus;6
| timezone_DST       = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST     = &minus;5
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 29-70000
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 0735864<ref name=gnis>{{Cite GNIS|735864|Springfield}}</ref>
| image_blank_emblem = City of Springfield, Missouri logo.svg
| blank_emblem_type  = Logo
}}

'''Springfield''' is the [[List of cities in Missouri|third most populous city]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Missouri]] and the [[county seat]] of [[Greene County, Missouri|Greene County]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The city's population was 169,176 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2970000|access-date=December 2, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref> It is the principal city of the [[Springfield metropolitan area, Missouri|Springfield metropolitan area]], which had an estimated population of 487,061 in 2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Dallas County, Missouri; Polk County, Missouri; Webster County, Missouri; Christian County, Missouri; Greene County, Missouri |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/dallascountymissouri,polkcountymissouri,webstercountymissouri,christiancountymissouri,greenecountymissouri/PST045221 |access-date=April 5, 2022 |website=www.census.gov |language=en}}</ref> and includes the counties of [[Christian County, Missouri|Christian]], [[Dallas County, Missouri|Dallas]], [[Greene County, Missouri|Greene]], [[Polk County, Missouri|Polk]], and [[Webster County, Missouri|Webster]].<ref name=OMB_18-04>{{cite web|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Bulletin-18-04.pdf|title=OMB Bulletin No. 18-04: Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses|publisher=[[United States Office of Management and Budget]]|date=September 14, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2019}}</ref>  Springfield is the largest city in the [[Ozarks]] region, and sits on the Springfield Plateau, which ranges from nearly level to rolling hills.

Springfield's nicknames include "Queen City of the [[Ozarks]]" and "The Birthplace of [[U.S. Route 66|Route 66]]".<ref>[http://www.springfieldmo.org/final/newsite/ttd_page_history.asp Springfield sits at the crossroads of history!] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20061002222224/http://www.springfieldmo.org/final/newsite/ttd_page_history.asp |date=October 2, 2006 }}, Springfield, Missouri, Convention & Visitors Bureau. Accessed June 13, 2007. "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."</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Billings |first=Hank |url=http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070604/COLUMNISTS02/706040389/1072/NEWS01 |title=Historian puts date on origin of 'Queen City |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607110737/http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070604%2FCOLUMNISTS02%2F706040389%2F1072%2FNEWS01 |archive-date=June 7, 2015 |work=[[Springfield News-Leader]] |date=June 4, 2007 |access-date=June 13, 2007 |url-status=dead}} "Does Springfield's title as Queen City of the Ozarks go back to 1876?"</ref> The city has been called the "Buckle of the [[Bible Belt]]" due to its association with evangelical Christianity.<ref>{{cite journal|url= https://www.jstor.org/stable/26228980|title=The Bible Belt in a Changing South|journal=Southeastern Geographer|jstor=26228980|access-date=February 17, 2022|last1=Brunn|first1=Stanley D.|last2=Webster|first2=Gerald R.|last3=Archer|first3=J. Clark|year=2011|volume=51|issue=4|pages=513–549|doi=10.1353/sgo.2011.0040|s2cid=129626842|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://cdm17307.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/p17307coll1/id/1824/download|title=The Ozarks: Buckle of the Bible Belt or Haven for Religious Diversity|last=Embree|first=David|access-date=February 17, 2022}}</ref> The city is the headquarters for [[Bass Pro Shops]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baskas |first=Harriet |date=September 30, 2017 |title=Bass Pro Shops just opened a mega wildlife attraction, and CNBC got a look inside |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/30/bass-pro-shops-just-opened-a-mega-wildlife-attraction-and-cnbc-got-a-look-inside.html |access-date=April 5, 2022 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> and the adjoining [[Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sammuli |first=Allex |date=September 19, 2017 |title="World's largest wildlife attraction" opens in Springfield, Missouri |url=https://www.stlmag.com/api/content/773a3552-9ca5-11e7-9127-121bebc5777e/ |access-date=April 5, 2022 |work=St. Louis Magazine |language=en-us}}</ref> It is also home to [[O'Reilly Auto Parts]], which began as a family business with 13 employees in 1957. Springfield is close to [[Wilson's Creek National Battlefield]] and is along the national historic [[Trail of Tears]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Missouri (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/state/mo/index.htm |access-date=April 5, 2022 |publisher=United States National Park Service}}</ref> In 2020, Springfield's largest ethnicities were 87.6% white, 4% black, and 5% two or more races,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/springfieldcitymissouri/RHI125222#RHI125222 |title=Quick Facts: Springfield, Missouri |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 4, 2023}}</ref> placing it among the least diverse cities in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sbj.net/stories/springfield-ranks-poorly-on-list-of-diverse-cities,67614|title=Springfield ranks poorly on list of diverse cities|author=SBJ Staff|work=Springfield Business Journal|date=February 11, 2020|accessdate=November 11, 2023}}</ref> The city is a regional center of medical care, with the two largest hospitals, [[CoxHealth]] and [[Mercy (healthcare organization)|Mercy]], being the largest employers in the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Partnership (SREP) |first=Springfield Regional Economic |title=Schools & Universities |url=https://www.springfieldregion.com/data/schools-and-universities/ |access-date=April 5, 2022 |website=Springfield Regional Economic Partnership |language=en-US}}</ref> Springfield hosts several universities and colleges, including [[Missouri State University]], [[Drury University]], and [[Evangel University]]. Springfield is an important regional center for distribution, logistics, and manufacturing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.missouripartnership.com/missouri-regions-sites/regions/the-springfield-region/ |title=The Springfield Region |publisher=Missouri Partnership |access-date=January 4, 2024}}</ref>

==Toponymy==
[[File:Flag of Springfield, Missouri (1938–2022).svg|thumb|This flag of Springfield, Missouri, was used from 1938 to 2022.]]
The origin of the city's name is unclear, but the most common view is that it was named by migrants from [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]], [[Massachusetts]]. One account is that James Wilson, who lived in the new settlement, offered free [[whiskey]] to anyone who would vote for the name Springfield, after his hometown in Massachusetts.<ref>Dark, Phyllis & Harris. ''Springfield of the Ozarks: An Illustrated History.'' Windsor Publications, 1981. {{ISBN|0-89781-028-7}}.</ref>

''Springfield Express'' editor J. G. Newbill said in the November 11, 1881, issue: "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 in honor of his hometown, [[Springfield, Tennessee|Springfield]], [[Tennessee]]."<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/history/holcombe/grch29pt1.html |title=History of Greene County, Missouri |website=Thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=May 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519191618/http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/history/holcombe/grch29pt1.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1883, historian R. I. Holcombe wrote: "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."<ref name=":0"/>

==History==
===Early settlement===
Native American peoples had long lived in this area. In the 1830s, the native [[Osage Nation]], the [[Kickapoo people]] from Indiana, and the [[Lenape]] (Delaware) from the mid-Atlantic coast had settled in this general area trying to evade encroachment by European Americans on their lands. The Osage had been the dominant tribe for more than one century in the larger region.<ref name=":1" />

On the southeastern side of the town in 1812, about 500 [[Kickapoo people|Kickapoo]] built a small village of about 100 [[wigwam]]s. They abandoned the site in 1828.

Ten miles south of the site of Springfield, the Lenape had built a substantial community of houses that borrowed elements of Anglo colonial style from the mid-Atlantic, where some of their people had migrated from.<ref name=":0" />

The first European-American settlers to the area were John Polk Campbell and his brother, who reached this area in 1829 from Tennessee. Campbell chose the area because of the presence of a natural well that flowed into a small stream. He staked his claim by carving his initials in a tree.<ref name=":1" /> Campbell was joined by settlers Thomas Finney, Samuel Weaver, and Joseph Miller. They cleared the land of trees to develop it for farms. A small general store was soon opened.<ref name=":0" />

In 1833, the southern part of the state was named Greene County after Revolutionary War hero [[Nathanael Greene|General Nathanael Greene]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gcmohs/2nd_level/brief_history.html|title=A brief history of Greene County, Missouri|website=www.rootsweb.ancestry.com|access-date=September 6, 2017}}</ref> Campbell Township was one of the seven original townships organized on March 11, 1833, when Greene County was much larger.

An 1876 map shows its boundaries include all the sections in T29N and R21 and 22W. It was bounded by Center Township on the west, Robberson, and Franklin Townships on the north, Taylor Township on the east, and Wilson and Clay Townships on the south.<ref>[https://greenecountymo.gov/archives/ha1876/table.php County of Greene Historical Archives: 1876 Illustrated Historical Atlas Of Greene County, Missouri.] Accessed August 20, 2021.</ref> (Later, Campbell was split into Campbell No. 1 Township and Campbell No. 2 Township, then into North Campbell No. 1 Township, North Campbell No. 2 Township, and North Campbell No. 3 Township.){{Citation needed|reason=Source needed for the split of Campbell Township|date=October 2023}}

The county seat of Springfield is located in Campbell Township due to the efforts of John Polk Campbell. The township is named after John Polk Campbell, who donated the land for Springfield's public square and platted the town site.<ref>[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~gcmohs/3rd_level/township_03.htm Greene County Historical Society: Campbell Township], accessed August 20, 2021.</ref> In 1835 he deeded 50 acres of land to the legislature for the creation of a county seat. Campbell laid out city streets and lots.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thelibrary.org/lochist/history/holcombe/toc.html|title=History of Greene County, Missouri|website=thelibrary.org|access-date=September 6, 2017}}</ref> The town was incorporated in 1838.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thelibrary.org/lochist/history/holcombe/toc.html|title=History of Greene County, Missouri|website=thelibrary.org|access-date=September 7, 2017}}</ref> In 1878, the town got its nickname as the "Queen City of the Ozarks".<ref name=":1" />

The United States government enforced [[Indian removal]] during the 1830s, forcing land cessions in the Southeast and other areas, and relocating tribes from east of the Mississippi River to [[Indian Territory]]. This later developed as the state of Oklahoma in 1907.

During the 1838 relocation of most of the [[Cherokee]], the [[Trail of Tears]] passed through Springfield to the west, along the [[Old Wire Road]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ozarkgreenways.org/explore/greenway-trails/trail-of-tears/|title=Greenway Trails {{!}} Ozark Greenways|last=Creative|first=Demi|website=ozarkgreenways.org|access-date=September 6, 2017}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.springfieldmo.org/springfield-history|title=Springfield History - Springfield Missouri Travel & Tourism - Ozarks/Midwest Vacations|website=www.springfieldmo.org|access-date=September 6, 2017}}</ref>

===Civil War===
By 1861, Springfield's population had grown to approximately 2,000, and it had become an important commercial hub. In the late 1850s, telegraph lines, previously connected only as far as St. Louis, reached Springfield. News from points further west was brought to Springfield overland. It was sent by telegraph to what was then called the New York Associated Press.

At the start of the [[American Civil War]], Springfield was divided in its loyalty. It had been settled by people from both the North and South, including slaveholders. It also attracted many [[German Americans in the American Civil War|German immigrants]] in the mid-19th century, who tended to support the Union.

The Union and Confederate armies both recognized the city's strategic importance and sought to control it. They fought the [[Battle of Wilson's Creek]] on August 10, 1861, a few miles southwest of town.<ref name=":0" /> The battle was a Confederate victory, and [[Nathaniel Lyon]] was killed here, the first Union General to die in the Civil War. Union troops retreated to the nearby town of [[Lebanon, Missouri|Lebanon]] to regroup. When they returned, they found that most of the Confederate army had withdrawn.<ref name=":2" />

On October 25, 1861, Union Major [[Charles Zagonyi]] led an attack against the remaining Confederates in the area, in a battle known as the [[First Battle of Springfield]], or Zagonyi's Charge. Zagonyi's men removed the Confederate flag from Springfield's public square and returned to camp. It was the only Union victory in southwestern Missouri in 1861.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thelibrary.org/lochist/historicalsites/17.cfm|title=Zagonyi's Charge|website=thelibrary.org|access-date=September 6, 2017}}</ref> The increased military activity in the area set the stage for the [[Battle of Pea Ridge]] in northern Arkansas in March 1862.<ref name=":2" />

On January 8, 1863, Confederate forces under General [[John S. Marmaduke]] advanced to take control of Springfield and an urban fight ensued. But that evening, the Confederates withdrew. This became known as the [[Second Battle of Springfield]]. Marmaduke sent a message to the Union forces asking that Confederate casualties have a proper burial. The city remained under Union control for the remainder of the war.<ref name=":2" /> The US army used Springfield as a supply base and central point of operation for military activities in the area.<ref name=":0" />

Promptly after the Civil War ended on July 21, 1865, [[Wild Bill Hickok]] shot and killed [[Davis Tutt]] in a [[Hickok–Tutt shootout|shootout]] over a disagreement about a debt Tutt claimed Hickok owed him. During a poker game at the former Lyon House Hotel, in response to the disagreement over the amount, Tutt had taken Hickok's watch, which Hickok immediately demanded be returned. Hickok warned that Tutt had better not be seen wearing that watch, then spotted him wearing it in Park Central Square, prompting the gunfight.

On January 25, 1866, Hickok was still in Springfield when he witnessed a Springfield police officer, John Orr, shoot and kill James Coleman after Coleman interfered with the arrest of Coleman's friend Bingham, who was drunk and disorderly. Hickok provided testimony in the case. Orr was arrested, released on bail, and immediately fled the country. He was never brought to trial or heard from again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thelibrary.org/lochist/history/holcombe/grch30pt1.html|title = History of Greene County, Missouri}}</ref>

===Race relations===
====Lynchings====
[[File:Springfield MO square Gottfried Tower (before 1909 when tower torn down).jpg|thumb|300px|Gottfried Tower, center, where Horace Duncan, Fred Coker, and Will Allen were lynched]]
From the period after [[Reconstruction era|Reconstruction]] into the early 20th century, lynchings of [[freedmen]] and their descendants occurred in some cities and counties in Missouri, particularly in former slaveholding areas.

On April 14, 1906, a white mob broke into the Springfield county jail, and [[Lynching in the United States|lynched]] two black men, Horace Duncan and Fred Coker, for allegedly sexually assaulting Mina Edwards, a white woman. Later they returned to the jail, where other African-American prisoners were being held, and pulled out Will Allen, who had been accused of murdering a white man. All three suspects were hanged from the Gottfried Tower, which held a replica of the [[Statue of Liberty]]

Their bodies were burned in the courthouse square by a mob of more than 2,000 white residents. Judge Azariah W. Lincoln called for a grand jury, but no one was prosecuted. The proceedings were covered by national newspapers, including the ''[[New York Times]]'' and ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''.<ref name="aamuseum"/>

Duncan's and Coker's employer testified that they were at his business at the time of the crime against Edwards, and other evidence suggested that they and Allen were all innocent.<ref name="aamuseum"/><ref name="harper">[https://books.google.com/books?id=QRR-xMoF0BIC&q=William+Allen,+Springfield,+April+15,+1906 Kimberly Harper, ''White Man's Heaven: The Lynching and Expulsion of Blacks in the Southern Ozarks, 1894-1909''], University of Arkansas Press, 2012, pp. 144-145</ref> These three are the only recorded lynchings in Greene County.<ref name="lynching">[https://eji.org/sites/default/files/lynching-in-america-third-edition-summary.pdf ''Lynching in America''/ ''Supplement: Lynchings by County, 3rd edition''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063004/https://eji.org/sites/default/files/lynching-in-america-third-edition-summary.pdf |date=October 23, 2017 }}, Montgomery, Alabama: Equal Justice Initiative, 2015, p. 7</ref>

But the extrajudicial murders were part of a pattern of discrimination, repeated violence and intimidation of African Americans in this city and southwest Missouri from 1894 to 1909, in an attempt to expel them from the region.<ref name="harper1"/> Whites in the bordering [[Lawrence County, Missouri|Lawrence County]] also lynched three African-American men in this period.<ref name="lynching"/> After the mass lynching in Springfield, many African Americans left the region.<ref name="harper1">Harper (2012), ''White Man's Heaven''</ref>

A historic plaque on the southeast corner of the Springfield courthouse square commemorates Duncan, Coker, and Allen, the three victims of mob violence.<ref name="aamuseum">{{cite web|url=http://oaahm.omeka.net/exhibits/show/exodus/ozarksraceriots/springfield|title=Ozarks Afro-American History Museum Online {{!}} Springfield: April 14, 1906 · Lynchings and Exodus|website=oaahm.omeka.net|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historicjoplin.org/?p=434|title=Historic Joplin » Blog Archive » 105th Anniversary of Springfield's 'Easter Offering'|website=www.historicjoplin.org|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref>

===Country music===
Four nationally broadcast [[Television show|television series]] originated from the city between 1955 and 1961: ''[[Ozark Jubilee]]'' and its spin-off, ''[[Five Star Jubilee]]''; ''[[Talent Varieties]]''; and ''[[The Eddy Arnold Show]]''. All were carried live by [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] except for ''Five Star Jubilee'' on [[NBC]]. They were produced by Springfield's Crossroads TV Productions, owned by [[Ralph D. Foster]], [[Si Siman]], [[Lester E. Cox]], and John Mahaffey.

Many of the biggest names in [[country music]] frequently visited or lived in Springfield at the time. City officials estimated the programs meant about 2,000 weekly visitors and "over $1,000,000 in fresh income."<ref>Dessauer, Phil "Springfield, Mo.-Radio City of Country Music" (April 1957), ''[[Coronet (magazine)|Coronet]]'', p. 152</ref>

Staged at the Jewell Theatre (demolished in 1961), ''Ozark Jubilee'' is the first national country music TV show to feature top stars and attract a significant viewership. ''Five Star Jubilee'', produced from the [[Landers Theatre]], was the first network [[color television]] series to originate outside of New York City or Hollywood.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.springfieldlittletheatre.org/about/the-landers-theatre/five-star-jubilee/|title=Five Star Jubilee|website=Springfield Little Theatre}}</ref> Springfield's NBC affiliate, [[KYTV-TV]] (which helped produce the program), was not equipped to broadcast in color and aired the show in [[black and white]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

The [[Citadel Media#ABC Radio|ABC]], [[NBC Red Network|NBC]] and [[Mutual Broadcasting System|Mutual]] [[radio network]]s all carried country music shows nationally from Springfield during the decade, including KWTO'S ''Korn's-A-Krackin{{'}}'' (Mutual).

===The Ozark Hillbilly Medallion===
The Springfield Chamber of Commerce once presented visiting dignitaries with an "Ozark [[Hillbilly]] Medallion" and a certificate proclaiming the honoree a "hillbilly of the Ozarks". On June 7, 1953, U.S. President [[Harry Truman]] received the medallion after a breakfast speech<ref>[http://www.trumanlibrary.org/publicpapers/index.php?pid=2414&st=&st1=] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607121957/http://www.trumanlibrary.org/publicpapers/index.php?pid=2414&st=&st1=|date=June 7, 2011}})</ref> at the Shrine Mosque for a reunion of the [[35th Infantry Division (United States)|35th Division]]. Other recipients included [[US Army]] generals [[Omar Bradley]] and [[Matthew Ridgway]], [[Dewey Jackson Short|US Representative Dewey Short]], [[James Cash Penney|J. C. Penney]], [[Johnny Olson]], [[Ralph Story]] and disc jockey [[Nelson King]].<ref>Dessauer, Phil "Springfield, Mo.-Radio City of Country Music" (April 1957), ''[[Coronet (magazine)|Coronet]]'', p. 151</ref><ref>"First C&W Deejay Conclave" (June 23, 1956), ''[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]]'', p. 40</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Springfield mo aerial map.jpg|thumb|upright|Satellite view of Springfield]]
Springfield is on the Springfield Plateau of the [[Ozarks]] region of southwest Missouri. According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|82.31|mi2|km2|abbr=off}}, of which {{convert|81.72|mi2|km2|abbr=off}} is land and {{convert|0.59|mi2|km2|abbr=off}} (0.7%) is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=July 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=July 2, 2012 }}</ref>

The city of Springfield is mainly flat with rolling hills and cliffs surrounding its south, east, and north sections. Springfield is on the Springfield Plateau, which reaches from Northwest Arkansas to Central Missouri. Most of the plateau is characterized by forest, pastures and shrub-scrub habitats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://extra.mdc.mo.gov/nathis/birds/birdatlas/natdiv.htm |title=Missouri Breeding Bird Atlas 1986 - 1992: The Natural Divisions of Missouri |publisher=Mdc.mo.gov |access-date=October 21, 2010}}</ref> Many streams and tributaries, such as the [[James River (Missouri)|James River]], Galloway Creek and Jordan Creek, flow within or near the city. Nearby lakes include [[Table Rock Lake]], [[Stockton Lake]], [[McDaniel Lake]], [[Fellows Lake]], [[Lake Springfield (Missouri)|Lake Springfield]], and [[Pomme de Terre Lake]]. Springfield is near the [[Mean center of United States population|population center of the United States]], about {{convert|80|mi|km}} to the east.

===Climate===
{{climate chart
|Springfied, Missouri
|24.2|44.3|2.54
|28.0|49.5|2.40
|36.2|58.9|3.51
|45.6|68.4|4.71
|55.6|76.3|5.56
|64.6|85.2|4.47
|68.8|89.6|3.85
|67.3|89.1|3.59
|59.1|81.4|4.31
|47.3|69.9|3.60
|36.2|57.3|3.56
|27.8|47.0|2.61
|float=left
|clear=left
|units=imperial
|source= <ref name="NOAA" />}}

[[File:Springfield, Missouri skyline, lightning.jpg|thumb|Lightning covers downtown Springfield.]]

Springfield has an average surface wind velocity comparable to that of [[Chicago]], according to information compiled at the [[National Climatic Data Center]] at [[NOAA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/avgwind.html|title=Wind- Average Wind Speed- (MPH)|date=March 3, 2011|access-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303052657/http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/avgwind.html|archive-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref> It is placed within "Power Class 3" in the Wind Energy Resource Atlas published by a branch of the [[U.S. Department of Energy]]; having an average wind speed range of 6.4 to 7.0 miles per hour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/|title=Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States|year=1986|publisher=RREDC - NREL|access-date=March 15, 2011|archive-date=March 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319024822/http://rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Springfield lies in the northern limits of a [[humid subtropical climate]] (''Cfa''), as defined by the [[Köppen climate classification]] system. As such, it experiences times of exceptional humidity; especially in late summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/avgrh.html|title=Average Relative Humidity(%)|year=2001|publisher=NCDC - NOAA|access-date=March 15, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011101082154/http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/avgrh.html|archive-date=November 1, 2001}}</ref> The monthly daily average temperature ranges from {{convert|34.3|°F|1}} in January to {{convert|79.2|°F|1}} in July.<ref name=NOAA>{{cite web |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sgf |title = NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] |access-date = August 2, 2021}}</ref> On average, there are 40 days with high temperatures of {{convert|90|°F|0}} or greater, 2 days of {{convert|100|°F|0}} or greater, 15 days where the high temperature fails to rise above freezing, and 1.3 nights of lows at or below {{convert|0|°F|0}} per year.<ref name= NOAA/> It has an average annual precipitation of {{convert|44.71|in|sigfig=3}}, including an average {{convert|13.70|in|cm}} of snow.<ref name=NOAA/> Extremes in temperature range from {{convert|-29|°F|0}} on [[Great Blizzard of 1899|February 12, 1899]] up to {{convert|113|°F|0}} on July 14, 1954.<ref name=NOAA/>

According to the 2007 ''[[Forbes]]'' list of "America's Wildest Weather Cities" and the Weather Variety Index, Springfield is the city with the most varied weather in the United States. On May 1, 2013, Springfield reached a high temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit. By the evening of May 2, snow was falling, persisting into the following day and eventually accumulating to about two inches.<ref name="forbes-wildest-weather">{{cite news |title=In Pictures: America's Wildest Weather Cities: No. 9: Most Variety (biggest variations in temperature, precipitation, wind), Springfield, Mo. |first=Tom |last=Van Riper |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/2007/07/20/weather-storms-united-states-biz-cx_tvr_0720weather_slide_10.html?thisSpeed=15000 |date=July 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310074440/http://www.forbes.com/2007/07/20/weather-storms-united-states-biz-cx_tvr_0720weather_slide_10.html|archive-date=March 10, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherpages.com/variety/most.html|title=Cities with most weather variety|last=Haugland|first=Matt |year=1998|publisher=Weather Pages|access-date=March 15, 2011}}</ref> This was only the second instance of measurable May snowfall in Springfield since record keeping began in 1888.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.weather.gov/sgf/events_2013may3#:~:text=Since%20record%20keeping%20began%20in,6.1%20inches%20of%20snow%20fell | title=Historic Snowfall for the Ozarks - May 3rd, 2013 }}</ref>

{{Springfield, Missouri weatherbox}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1850 = 415
| 1860 = 1235
| 1870 = 5555
| 1880 = 6522
| 1890 = 21850
| 1900 = 23267
| 1910 = 35201
| 1920 = 39631
| 1930 = 57527
| 1940 = 61238
| 1950 = 66731
| 1960 = 95865
| 1970 = 120096
| 1980 = 133116
| 1990 = 140494
| 2000 = 151580
| 2010 = 159498
| 2020 = 169176
| estyear = 2024
| estimate = 170596
| align-fn = center
| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 10, 2013|author-link=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><br />2022 Estimate<ref name="2018 Pop Estimate">{{cite web|title=Population Estimates|url=https://www.census.gov/data/datasets/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=October 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>[https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2024/cities/totals/SUB-IP-EST2024-POP-29.xlsx U.S. Census July 1, 2024 estimates of population for incorporated places in Missouri]</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov| access-date=December 17, 2023 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> counted 169,176 people, 78,027 households, and 37,297 families in Springfield. The population density was {{convert|2,035.6|/mi2|/km2}}. There were 83,116 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,000.1|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}.

The U.S. Census accounts for race by two methodologies: "Race alone" where Hispanics are allocated to the various racial categories and "Race alone less Hispanics" where Hispanics are excluded from the racial categories and delineated separately as if a separate race.

According to the [[2020 United States census]], the racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 81.12% (137,235) [[White (U.S. Census)|white alone]], 4.77% (8,063) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black or African-American alone]], 0.79% (1,334) [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native|Alaska Native alone]], 2.28% (3,853) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian alone]], 0.18% (304) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander alone]], 2.21% (3,731) [[Race (United States Census)|other race alone]], and 8.66% (14,656) from two or more races.<ref>{{Cite web|title=P1: Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Springfield city, Missouri|url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?q=p2&g=160XX00US2970000|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

According to the 2020 United States census, the racial and ethnic makeup (where Hispanics are excluded from the racial counts and placed in their own category) was 79.38% (134,294) [[Non-Hispanic whites|White alone (non-Hispanic)]], 4.66% (7,877) [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black alone (non-Hispanic)]], 0.63% (1,074) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American alone (non-Hispanic)]], 2.25% (3,809) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian alone (non-Hispanic)]], 0.16% (276) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander alone (non-Hispanic)]], 0.41% (699) [[Race (United States Census)|Other Race alone (non-Hispanic)]], 6.63% (11,221) [[Multiracial Americans|Multiracial or Mixed Race (non-Hispanic)]], and 5.87% (9,926) [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]].<ref name=2020CensusP2/>

Of the 78,027 households, 19.4% had children under the age of 18; 33.1% were married couples living together; 33.6% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 39.4% consisted of individuals and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 2.7.

17.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 19.1% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 91.1 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov|access-date=December 17, 2023|website=data.census.gov}}</ref> estimates show that the median household income was $37,491 (with a margin of error of +/- $1,212) and the median family income was $52,296 (+/- $1,594). Males had a median income of $28,927 (+/- $1,383) versus $23,395 (+/- $767) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $25,751 (+/- $590). Approximately, 12.8% of families and 21.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 20.8% of those under the age of 18 and 12.1% of those ages 65 or over.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Springfield city, Missouri – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Springfield city, Missouri|url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US2970000&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Springfield city, Missouri|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2970000&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Springfield city, Missouri|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2970000&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|137,140
|138,495
|style='background: #ffffe6; |134,294
|90.47%
|86.83%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |79.38%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|4,863
|6,397
|style='background: #ffffe6; |7,877
|3.21%
|4.01%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.66%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|1,088
|1,076
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,074
|0.72%
|0.67%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.63%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|2,028
|2,980
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3,809
|1.34%
|1.87%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2.25%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|129
|254
|style='background: #ffffe6; |276
|0.09%
|0.16%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.16%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Some other race]] alone (NH)
|225
|116
|style='background: #ffffe6; |699
|0.15%
|0.07%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.41%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed-race or multi-racial]] (NH)
|2,606
|4,329
|style='background: #ffffe6; |11,221
|1.72%
|2.71%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |6.63%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|3,501
|5,851
|style='background: #ffffe6; |9,926
|2.31%
|3.67%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |5.87%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''151,580'''
|'''159,498'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''169,176'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

===2010 census===
In the [[2010 United States census]],<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=July 8, 2012}}</ref> there were 159,498 people, 69,754 households, and 35,453 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1951.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 77,620 housing units at an average density of {{convert|949.8|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 88.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 4.1% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.8% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.9% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.2% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 3.2% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 3.7% of the population.

There were 69,754 households, of which 23.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no spouse present, 4.7% had a male householder with no spouse present, and 49.2% were non-families. 37.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.81.

The median age in the city was 33.2 years. 18.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 18.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 22.7% were from 45 to 64; and 14.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

===2000 census===
According to the [[2000 United States census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> 151,580 people, 64,691 households, and 35,709 families resided in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,072.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 69,650 housing units at an average density of {{convert|952.1|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.69% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 3.27% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.75% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.36% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.09% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.88% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.95% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people 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 [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no spouse 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 19.9% were 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% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 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.

===Neighborhoods===

Registered neighborhoods include<ref name="Neighborhood"/> University Heights, Bissett, Bradford Park, Delaware, Doling, [[Galloway, Springfield, Missouri|Galloway]], Grant Beach, Heart of the Westside, Midtown, Oak Grove, Parkcrest, Phelps Grove, Robberson, [[Rountree, Springfield|Rountree]], Tom Watkins, Weller, West Central, Westside Community Betterment, and Woodland Heights.

Affiliated neighborhood groups unregistered with the city include:<ref name="Neighborhood">{{cite web|url=http://www.springfieldmo.gov/nco/pdfs/svcareas/nsa09.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602054435/https://www.springfieldmo.gov/nco/pdfs/svcareas/nsa09.pdf |archive-date=June 2, 2010 }}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* Chesterfield Village
* Cinnamon On The Hill
* Cinnamon Square
* Coachlight
* Cooper Estates
* Fox Grape
* Kay Pointe
* Kingsbury Forest 
* Lakewood Village
* Mission Hills
* National Place
* Parkwest Village
* Parkwood Survival
* Quail Creek
* Ravenwood South
* Sherman Ave Project Area
* Spring Creek
{{div col end}}

==Economy==
Springfield's economy is based on health care, manufacturing, retail, education, and tourism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coxhealth.com/body.cfm?id=813 |title=Our Community |publisher=Coxhealth.com |date=September 30, 2006 |access-date=June 8, 2010}}</ref> In 2021, the city had a Gross Metropolitan Product of $19.49 billion, making up 6.6% of the Gross State Product of Missouri.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/RGMP44180|title=Total Real Gross Domestic Product for Springfield, MO|website=St. Louis Fed|access-date=October 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://meric.mo.gov/data/gross-domestic-product-data-series/state-gross-domestic-product-2020|title=State Gross Domestic Product 2021|website=Missouri Economic Research and Information Center|access-date=October 7, 2023}}</ref>

Total retail sales exceed $4.1 billion annually in Springfield and $5.8 billion in the Springfield MSA. Its largest shopping mall is [[Battlefield Mall]]. According to the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, an estimated 3,000,000 overnight visitors and [[Day trip|day-tripper]]s annually visit the city. The city has more than 60 lodging facilities and 6,000 hotel rooms. The Convention & Visitors Bureau spends more than $1,000,000 annually marketing the city as a travel destination.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

[[Positronic (company)|Positronic]], [[Bass Pro Shops]], John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, [[BKD, LLP|BKD]], Noble & Associates, Prime Inc., [[Springfield ReManufacturing]], [[Andy's Frozen Custard]], and [[O'Reilly Auto Parts]] all have national headquarters in Springfield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business4springfield.com |title=Springfield Business Development Corporation |publisher=Business4springfield.com |access-date=June 8, 2010}}</ref> Two major American Christian denominations — [[General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America]] (one of the largest of the [[Pentecostal]] denominations) and [[Baptist Bible Fellowship International]] (a fundamentalist Baptist denomination) — are headquartered in the city.

According to the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, these were the top 2023 employers in the metro:<ref>{{cite web |date=2023 |title=Major Employers, Springfield, MO |url=https://www.springfieldregion.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/MajorEmployers2023.pdf |access-date=May 6, 2025 |website=Springfieldregion.com}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! Employees
|-
| 1
| [[CoxHealth]]
| 12,178
|-
| 2
|[[Mercy (healthcare organization)|Mercy Health System]]
|9,214
|-
|3
|State of [[Missouri]]
|5,411
|-
|4
|[[Walmart]] and [[Sam's Club]]
| 4,981
|-
|5
| [[Springfield Public Schools (Missouri)|Springfield Public Schools]]
| 3,685
|-
|6
| [[Bass Pro|Bass Pro Shops]]/[[Tracker Marine Group|Tracker Marine]] 
| 2,989
|-
|7
|[[O'Reilly Auto Parts|O'Reilly Auto Parts (HQ)]]
| 2,631
|-
|8
| [[Federal government of the United States|United States Government]]
| 2,425
|-
|9
|[[Jack Henry & Associates]]
|2,349
|-
|10
| [[Citizens Memorial Healthcare]]
| 2,038
|-
|11
| Burrell Behavioral Health
| 1,872
|-
|12
| [[Missouri State University]]
| 1,861
|-
|13
|City of Springfield
|1,857
|-
|14
| [[SRC Holdings Corp.|SRC Holdings]]
| 1,750
|-
|15
|[[EFCO]]
|1,600
|}

==Government==
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:1em; font-size:95%;"
|+ Springfield city vote<br /> by party in presidential elections<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vote.greenecountymo.gov/elections/|title=Elections – Greene County MO Elections}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Year
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Third party (United States)|Third Parties]]
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |[[2020 United States presidential election|2020]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |48.70% ''34,777''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''48.80%''' 34,871
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}} |2.50% ''1,815''
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |[[2016 United States presidential election|2016]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |40.30% ''26,593''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''52.40%''' ''34,603''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}} |7.20% ''4,780''
|-
|}
[[File:City hall Springfield Missouri.tif|thumb|upright|Springfield City Hall]]
Springfield's city government is based on the [[Council–manager government|council–manager]] system. By charter, the city has eight council members, each elected for a four-year term on a [[Nonpartisanism|nonpartisan]] basis, and a [[mayor]] elected for a two-year term. Jason Gage, the city manager, appointed by the council, serves as the chief executive and administrative officer for the city and is responsible for directing the overall operations of the City of Springfield and for executing all policies and programs authorized by the city council.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.springfieldmo.gov/261/City-Managers-Office|title=City Manager's Office &#124; Springfield, MO - Official Website|website=www.springfieldmo.gov}}</ref> Anita Cotter, the city clerk, appointed by the council to serve as the chief of staff for City Council Members and Custodian of Records, coordinates and responds to all [[Freedom of information laws by country|sunshine request]]s and maintains official city records, including minutes, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other vital documents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.springfieldmo.gov/231/City-Clerk|title = City Clerk &#124; Springfield, MO - Official Website}}</ref> The presiding officer at council meetings is the mayor. Council meetings are held every other Monday night in city council chambers. CitycCouncil elections are held on the first Tuesday in April.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Springfield City Council<ref>{{cite web|title=City Council {{!}} Springfield, MO - Official Website|url=https://www.springfieldmo.gov/145/City-Council |access-date=June 11, 2022|website=www.springfieldmo.gov}}</ref>
!Office
!Officeholder
|-
|Mayor
|Ken McClure
|-
|General Seat A
|Heather Hardinger
|-
|General Seat B
|Craig Hosmer
|-
|General Seat C
|Callie Carroll
|-
|General Seat D
|Derek Lee
|-
|Zone 1
|Monica Horton
|-
|Zone 2
|Abe McGull
|-
|Zone 3
|Brandon Jenson
|-
|Zone 4
|Matthew Simpson
|}
[[City Utilities of Springfield]] (CU) is a city-owned utility serving the Springfield area with electricity, natural gas, water, telecommunications and transit services. CU provides service to over 115,000 electric, 84,000 natural gas, and 83,000 water customers.
<ref>{{cite report |date=September 30, 2020 |title=City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri (A Component Unit of the City of Springfield, Missouri) |url=https://www.cityutilities.net/wp-content/uploads/cu-financials.pdf |publisher=BKD}}</ref>

==Education==
Springfield has several universities, colleges, and high schools. Four of the main higher learning institutions, Missouri State University, Drury University, Evangel University, and Ozarks Technical Community College, are located in and around downtown Springfield.

=== Universities ===
[[File:MissouriStateUHistoricQuad.jpg|thumb|right|View toward [[Missouri State University]]'s Historic Quadrangle]]

Founded in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School, [[Missouri State University]] (MSU) is the state's second largest university by enrollment, with over 23,000 students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.missouristate.edu/About/history.htm|title=History of the University|website=Missouri State}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.missouristate.edu/2017/09/20/fall-enrollment-record/|title=Missouri State University sets another fall enrollment record|date=September 20, 2017|access-date=December 4, 2017}}</ref>

[[Drury University]] is a private university with over 1,000 students<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drury.edu/multinl/story.cfm?ID=25512&NLID=246 |title=Drury University's fall 2010 census reveals record enrollment |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=September 28, 2010 |work=Drury.edu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718164236/http://www.drury.edu/multinl/story.cfm?ID=25512&NLID=246 |archive-date=July 18, 2011 }}</ref> Founded in 1873 by congregationalists, it is affiliated with the [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]].

Evangel University, founded in 1955, is a private liberal arts university. In 2013, [[Central Bible College]] and the [[Assemblies of God Theological Seminary]] consolidated with the university. Evangel is affiliated with the [[Assemblies of God USA]] denomination<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.evangel.edu/about/university-overview/history/|title=History|website=Evangel University}}</ref>

The [[University of Missouri]] opened a clinical campus in 2016 of the [[University of Missouri School of Medicine]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clinical Campus Locations - MU School of Medicine |url=https://medicine.missouri.edu/about/clinical-campus-locations |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=medicine.missouri.edu}}</ref>

Other branches include Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences (in partnership with [[Southwest Baptist University]]), [[Bryan University]], [[Columbia College (Missouri)|Columbia College]], and [[University of Phoenix]].<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.sbuniv.edu/about/campus-locations/springfield/index.php| title=SBU-Springfield Campus | access-date=April 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://missourihealthcareers.com/schools/university-of-phoenix-springfield/|title=University of Phoenix - Springfield|website=Missouri Health Careers|access-date=October 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bryanu.edu/locations/springfield-missouri/|title=Springfield, Missouri Campus|website=Bryan University|access-date=October 7, 2023}}</ref>

=== Colleges ===
[[File:Ozarks Technical Community College Main Entrance.jpg|thumb|Ozarks Technical Community College]]
[[Ozarks Technical Community College]] (OTC) is the second largest college in the city of Springfield, having more than 11,000 students in attendance.<ref>{{cite web |title=New students, new spaces at OTC this fall |url=http://www.otc.edu/3990.php |access-date=June 8, 2010 |publisher=Otc.edu}}</ref>

Other colleges in Springfield include [[Mission University]] (formerly Baptist Bible College) and [[CoxHealth|Cox College]] (Nursing and Allied Health).

=== K-12 schools ===
The [[Springfield Public Schools (Missouri)|Springfield Public School District]] is the largest district in the state of Missouri.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 14, 2011 |title=Springfield now largest Missouri school district |url=http://www.news-leader.com/article/20111214/NEWS01/111214013/Springfield-now-largest-Missouri-school-district?odyssey=tab |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627202905/http://www.news-leader.com/article/20111214/NEWS01/111214013/Springfield-now-largest-Missouri-school-district?odyssey=tab |archive-date=June 27, 2014 |access-date=December 14, 2011 |work=Springfield News-Leader}}</ref> Public high schools include [[Central High School (Springfield, Missouri)|Central High School]], [[Kickapoo High School (Springfield, Missouri)|Kickapoo High School]], [[Hillcrest High School (Springfield, Missouri)|Hillcrest High School]], [[Parkview High School (Springfield, Missouri)|Parkview High School]], and [[Glendale High School (Missouri)|Glendale High School]].

While the majority of Springfield is in the Springfield school district, portions of the city limits are in other school districts: [[Willard R-II School District]]<!--UNI 32010-->, [[Republic R-III School District]]<!--UNI 26220-->, [[Strafford R-VI School District]]<!--UNI 29640-->, and [[Logan-Rogersville R-VIII School District]]<!--UNI 19170-->.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st29_mo/schooldistrict_maps/c29077_greene/DC20SD_C29077.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Greene County, MO|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=2024-12-16}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st29_mo/schooldistrict_maps/c29077_greene/DC20SD_C29077_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref>

Private high schools include Springfield Sudbury School, Summit Preparatory School, [[Greenwood Laboratory School]], New Covenant Academy, [[Springfield Catholic High School (Missouri)|Springfield Catholic High School]], Christian Schools of Springfield, and Grace Classical Academy.

==Parks and recreation==

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board manages 3,200 acres and 103 sites,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.parkboard.org/152/About-Us|title=About Us &#124; Springfield-Greene County Park Board|website=www.parkboard.org}}</ref> including the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, which contains the historic Gray-Campbell Farmstead, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, Master Gardener demonstration gardens, Doling Park,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.parkboard.org/734/Doling-Park |title=Doling Park |publisher=Springfield-Greene County Park Board |access-date=2025-02-19}}</ref> Bill Roston Native Butterfly House, and Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center;<ref>[https://friendsofthegarden.org/fog-blog/2011/08/12/history-and-background-of-nathanael-greeneclose-memorial-parks/ "History and Background of Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park"]</ref> the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park; the [[Mediacom Ice Park]]; the Cooper Park and Sports Complex; [[Fantastic Caverns]], [[Dickerson Park Zoo]]; and various other public parks, community centers, and facilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.parkboard.org/148/Parks-Facilities|title=Parks & Facilities &#124; Springfield-Greene County Park Board|website=www.parkboard.org}}</ref>

The non-profit Ozark Greenways Inc. promotes trail recreation and local bicycling through the establishment of greenway trails, including a 35-mile crushed-gravel trail, the Frisco Highline Trail connecting Springfield to the town of Bolivar, and smaller trails connecting parks and sites of interest within the town and county.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ozarkgreenways.org/resources/maps/|title=Maps &#124; Ozark Greenways|website=ozarkgreenways.org}}</ref>

The [[Missouri Department of Conservation]] operates the Springfield Nature Center and numerous nearby conservation areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/springfield-cnc|title="Springfield CNC"}}</ref>

The [[National Park Service]] operates the nearby [[Wilson's Creek National Battlefield]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm|title=Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Service)|first1=Mailing Address: 5242 S. State Hwy ZZ|last1=Republic|first2=MO 65738 Phone: 417 732-2662 Contact|last2=Us|website=www.nps.gov}}</ref>

Springfield's metropolitan area is situated within close distance of recreational lakes, waterways, caves, and forests, such as the [[James River (Missouri)|James River]], [[Busiek State Forest]], [[Lake Springfield (Missouri)|Lake Springfield]], [[Table Rock Lake]], [[Buffalo National River]], [[Ozark National Scenic Riverways]], [[Fellows Lake]], and [[Fantastic Caverns]].

==Culture==
Like many cities across the nation, Springfield has seen a 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, coffee shops, bars, boutiques, and music venues.{{Citation needed|reason=This is true, but difficult to find sources for|date=October 2023}} The Downtown Springfield [[Business Improvement District|Community Improvement District]] (CID) has historic theaters that have been restored to their original state, including the [[Fox Theatre (Springfield)|Fox Theatre]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Historic Fox Theatre - History Museum on the Square - Springfield, MO |url=https://historymuseumonthesquare.org/historic-fox-theatre/ |website=History Museum on the Square |access-date=24 August 2025 |ref=HMS}}</ref> the [[Gillioz Theatre]] and the [[Landers Theatre]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.itsalldowntowncid.com|title=Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District|access-date=October 7, 2023}}</ref>

In 2001, Phase I of Jordan Valley Park opened along with the Jordan Valley Ice Park. 2001 also saw the opening of The Creamery Arts Center, a city-owned building inside Jordan Valley Park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/jordan-valley-park-success-story|title=Jordan Valley Park Success Story|website=Missouri Department of Natural Resources}}</ref> Phase II of Jordan Valley Park was completed in 2012. It provides office and meeting space for arts organizations which serve the community. The center has been renovated to include two art galleries with monthly exhibitions, an Arts Library, rehearsal studios, and classrooms offering art workshops and hands-on activities. The facilities also include an outdoor classroom.

A March 2009 ''New York Times'' article<ref>{{cite news |last=Edge |first=John T. |title=Missouri Chinese: Two Cultures Claim This Chicken' |work=The New York Times |date=March 10, 2009 |access-date=January 4, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/dining/11cashew.html |url-access=subscription}}</ref> described the history and ascendancy of [[cashew chicken]] in Springfield, where local variations of the popular Chinese dish are ubiquitous.

=== Cultural organizations ===
[[File:Landers Theater Elevation 311 E Walnut.JPG|thumb|The [[Landers Theatre]]]]
The Ozarks Lyric Opera (formerly the Springfield Regional Opera)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sbj.net/stories/springfield-regional-opera-rolling-out-name-change,74461|title=Springfield Regional Opera rolling out Name Change|website=Springfield Business Journal|date=June 4, 2021 |access-date=October 7, 2023}}</ref> has operated in the city for nearly 40 years. In its history, the opera has performed various well known shows, such as [[The Barber of Seville]], [[La bohème]] and [[Carmen]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ozarkslyricopera.com/past-seasons.html|title=Past Seasons|website=Ozarks Lyric Opera|access-date=October 7, 2023}}</ref>

The Springfield Ballet was founded in 1978 as a [[Not-for-Profit|not-for-profit]] to bring [[ballet]] to the region. The first performance was held at the Springfield Art Museum in November 1976, and the first public performance in March 1977. The ballet currently performs at the [[Landers Theatre]] in downtown Springfield, and has performed with the Springfield Symphony for holiday programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://springfieldballet.org/History|title=Springfield Ballet :: History|website=springfieldballet.org|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref>

The [[Springfield Little Theatre]] was founded in 1934 and purchased the Landers Theatre in 1970 for its permanent performance venue. The theatre is the oldest civic theatre in Missouri and one of the oldest in the [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]], attended by 60,000 people yearly. The venue has been the setting for performances by actors such as [[Kathleen Turner]], [[Tess Harper]], and [[Lucas Grabeel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.springfieldlittletheatre.org/about-slt/history/landers-theatre-history/|title=Landers Theatre History|website=Springfield Little Theatre|access-date=February 20, 2019|archive-date=February 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220122722/https://www.springfieldlittletheatre.org/about-slt/history/landers-theatre-history/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Springfield Symphony was founded in 1935 and is one of the oldest arts organizations in the city. The [[symphony]] was one of the founding members of the American Symphony Orchestra League, now known as the [[League of American Orchestras]], the largest international body for symphonies and orchestras. The symphony performs monthly at Juanita K. Hammons Hall on the Missouri State University campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.springfieldmosymphony.org/about-us|title=About Us {{!}} Springfield Symphony|website=www.springfieldmosymphony.org|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref>

The Springfield Art Museum was started by a small group of women, headed by Deborah D. Weisel. Within two years of its original founding as an art study club, the museum had been formed and began showing [[traveling exhibition]]s from cities like [[New York City|New York]] and [[Philadelphia]]. In 1948, the museum was handed into the control of the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sgfmuseum.org/145/About|title=About {{!}} Springfield Art Museum, MO - Official Website|website=www.sgfmuseum.org|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> In 2018, a 30-year plan was revealed with the intent of updating the museum to be comparable to the [[Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art]] in Kansas City and [[Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art]] in [[Northwest Arkansas]], capitalizing on its central location in the city and adjacent park space.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fox4kc.com/2018/10/13/springfield-art-museum-unveils-plan-to-turn-site-into-a-world-class-attraction/|title=Springfield Art Museum unveils plan to turn site into a world-class attraction|date=October 13, 2018|website=FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV {{!}} News, Weather, Sports|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref>

The GLO Center is the LGBTQIA+ community center for Springfield and the Ozarks. Founded in 1996, it is the oldest operating LGBTQIA+ center in Missouri, and the only of its kind in southwest Missouri.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LGBTQ Community Center in Springfield {{!}} The GLO Center |url=https://www.glocenter.org/ |access-date=June 19, 2023 |website=www.glocenter.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

OLGA, founded in 2003 is the Ozarks Lesbian and Gay History Archives. It is housed at the Missouri State University, Meyer Library, and has oral histories, collections, and records of lived experiences of the LGBTQ population of southwest Missouri and the Ozarks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives - Libraries - Missouri State |url=https://libraries.missouristate.edu/OLGA.htm |access-date=June 19, 2023 |website=libraries.missouristate.edu |language=en}}</ref>

In 1938, a Springfield flag was made official. It resembled the flag of St. Louis (which was later replaced by a new flag). In 2017, the Springfield Flag Movement proposed a new flag for Springfield, arguing that the current flag is disconnected from modern Springfield culture, as it "doesn't speak to the unique history and identity of Springfield".<ref name=":3">{{cite web|date=June 5, 2021|title=Springfield Missouri Flag - Springfield Flag Movement|url=https://sgfflag.org/|access-date=August 9, 2021|language=en-US}}</ref> On January 10, 2022, Springfield's city council voted 7–2 in favor of adopting the Springfield Flag Movement's proposed flag as the official city flag. The new flag was officially adopted by the city on March 1, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ky3.com/2022/01/11/springfield-city-council-approves-new-city-flag/ |title=Springfield City Council approves new city flag |publisher=Ky3.com |date=January 10, 2022 |accessdate=March 4, 2022}}</ref>

===Events===
The Missouri Food Truck Festival brings [[food truck]]s from Springfield and surrounding states. Like most local events, it includes live music and specialty [[cuisine]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mofoodtruckfest.wordpress.com/|title=MO Food Truck Fest|website=MO Food Truck Fest|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>

First Friday is a monthly event held in Downtown Springfield that allows local artists to show off their works and encourages people to stroll the streets and [[Art gallery|art galleries]] to look at local works of art. The event is sponsored by the Springfield Regional Arts Council and has been a regular event in the city since 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.417mag.com/events/first-friday-art-walk/|title=First Friday Art Walk|website=www.417mag.com|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>

[[File:ParkCentralSquarefountainbyCVBCS.jpg|thumb|Park Central Square in downtown Springfield has multiple annual festivals.]]
Cider Days is a two-day event held on Walnut Street downtown featuring local artists showing their crafts, fall themed activities and performances by local groups, as well as [[cider]] sampling. Arts Fest is held in May also on Walnut Street downtown, and features similar art vendors showing crafts as well as entertainment for children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itsalldowntown.com/cider-days-walnut/|title=Cider Days on Walnut|website=It's All Downtown|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>

Since 2010, the city has hosted the annual Birthplace of [[U.S. Route 66|Route 66]] Festival in the downtown area along the historic Route 66 and in Park Central Square. A parade starts the event with a collection of dozens of vintage cars traveling along the former highway. There are also live performances in Park Central Square as people move around St. Louis Street to observe [[classic car]]s and browse items from vendors selling artwork and literature about Route 66. The event also holds a 6.6 [[Kilometre|kilometer]] run. The 2018 festival lasted two days and was attended by 56,000 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.route66festivalsgf.com/|title=Birthplace of Route 66 Festival – Come see where it all started.|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>

The Japanese Fall Festival usually takes place in September at the Springfield Botanical Gardens in [[Nathanael Greene]] Park. The event is put on by the [[Sister Cities International|Sister Cities Association]] and commemorates [[Japanese Culture|Japanese culture]], often involving visitors from Springfield's sister city of [[Isesaki, Gunma|Isesaki]], offering [[Green tea|Japanese tea]], giving live performances and selling traditional items like [[Bonsai]] and [[kimono]] dresses. Springfield in turns sends local groups to Isesaki's city festival each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.biz417.com/events/japanese-fall-festival/|title=Japanese Fall Festival|website=www.biz417.com|access-date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>

Pridefest is an annual LGBTQ gathering, taking place every June, first organized in 1998. The GLO Center organizes the event, as well as Pride in the Park, a yearly event in October.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ozarks Pridefest |url=https://ozarkspridefest.com/ |access-date=June 19, 2023 |website=ozarkspridefest.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Several holiday events take place in Springfield, including the yearly Downtown Christmas Parade showcasing local schools and businesses sponsoring [[Float (parade)|floats]]. There's also a yearly lighting of a [[Christmas tree]] at Park Central Square and the Festival of Lights in Jordan Valley Park.

===Entertainment===
'''Movie Theatres'''
* [[Alamo Drafthouse]] - Springfield
* [[College Station Theaters]]
* [[Moxie Cinema|The Moxie Cinema]]
* Springfield 8 [[IMAX]]

'''Live Venues'''
* The [[Gillioz Theatre]]

===Points of interest===
{{See also|National Register of Historic Places in Springfield, Missouri}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-1-of-2}}
*Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks
*[[American Civil War]] Library at [[Wilson's Creek National Battlefield]]
*[[First Battle of Springfield|Battle of Springfield]] Driving Tour
*Commercial Street Historic District
*The Creamery Arts Center
*[[Dickerson Park Zoo]]
*[[Discovery Center of Springfield]]
*Dr. Michael J. Clarke History Museum of Ozarks Scouting
*Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center
*Founders Park
{{Col-2-of-2}}
*Gray-Campbell Farmstead
*History Museum on the Square
*Missouri Institute of Natural Science - Riverbluff Cave
*Springfield Art Museum
*[[Springfield Greene County Library|Springfield-Greene County Library District]]
*[[St. John's Episcopal Church (Springfield, Missouri)|St. John's Episcopal Church]]
*[[Trail of Tears National Historic Trail]]
*[[U.S. Route 66|US Route 66]] marker
*[[Wild Bill Hickok–Davis Tutt shootout]] site
*[[Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium]]
{{Col-end}}

===Sports===
Springfield hosts college teams from [[Missouri State University]] ([[NCAA Division I]]), [[Drury University]] ([[NCAA Division II]]), and [[Evangel University]] ([[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]]). [[Great Southern Bank Arena]] (capacity 11,000) opened in 2008 and hosts the [[Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears]] basketball teams, the [[O'Reilly Family Event Center]], which opened in 2010, hosts the [[Drury Panthers]] men's and women's basketball teams, and the AGFinancial Arena, which opened in 2024, hosts the [https://evangelathletics.com/ Evangel Valor] men's and women's basketball teams and volleyball team.
[[File:United States Army Corps of Engineers in Kansas (14710014375).jpg|thumb|[[Hammons Field]]]]
The [[Springfield Cardinals]], the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] affiliate of the [[St. Louis Cardinals]], have played at [[Hammons Field]] in downtown Springfield since their inaugural season in 2005 after the team moved from [[El Paso Diablos|El Paso]]. There have been more than 100 Springfield Cardinals who have gone on to play for St. Louis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-41102746|title=FAQ's|website=Springfield Cardinals|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref> Springfield has had minor league teams dating back to 1905, and this city has hosted various exposition games.

Springfield Rugby Football Club (SRFC) was established in 1983 and is a well-known rugby club in the [[Midwestern United States]]. SRFC plays in Division II of the Frontier Region of the Western Conference which runs teams for men, women and youth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.springfieldrugby.com/page/show/1363590-about-srfc-rugby-and-some-history|title=About|website=Springfield Rugby Club, Missouri|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>

The [[PGA Tour|PGA]] sponsored [[Price Cutter Charity Championship]] is played at Highland Springs Country Club on the southeast side of Springfield every year. The event is sponsored by [[Dr Pepper]]. Since the event started in 1990, more than $14 million has been raised for local children's charities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pricecuttercc.org/history/|title=History|website=Price Cutter Charity Championship|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref> 
[[File:JQHArenaExterior.08.2010.jpg|thumb|[[JQH Arena]]]]
Springfield has hosted various sporting events. Missouri State's campus in Springfield has hosted the Missouri [[Special Olympics]] several times. Springfield has also hosted the Show-Me Games and regularly hosts the Missouri Winter Games in the sports of [[racquetball]], [[trap shooting]], [[Swimming (sport)|swimming]], [[volleyball]] and [[gymnastics]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mowintergames.org/swimming|title=Swimming {{!}} Missouri Winter Games|website=missouriwintergames|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref> In 2019 and 2020 Springfield hosted the [[NAIA Softball Championship]] [[World Series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naia.org/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=211717982&DB_OEM_ID=27900|title=Softball World Series Heads to Springfield, Mo., in 2019 and 2020|website=NAIA.org|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref> Springfield has also been the host of the [[Missouri Valley Conference baseball tournament]], as well as finals for the [[Missouri Valley Conference]] in sports like tennis and volleyball.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mvc-sports.com/sports/2018/6/18/18CHAMPS.aspx|title=2018-19 Championships|website=mvc-sports.com|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref> As a city with a [[World TeamTennis]] team, the [[Springfield Lasers]], Springfield has hosted final games at [[Cooper Tennis Complex]].

The [[Missouri Sports Hall of Fame]] is located in the city. Opening in 1994, the hall of fame contains over four thousand sports related items and exhibits. Each year the hall inducts new members who have contributed to sports in the state of Missouri, including athletes, broadcasters, coaches, physical therapists, winning sports teams and [[Olympic Games|Olympic athletes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mosportshalloffame.com/inductees1/|title=Missouri Sports Hall of Fame {{!}} Inductees|website=Missouri Sports Hall of Fame|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>

Beginning in 2003, Springfield was only one of thirteen cities in the United States to be a part of the [[US Olympic Committee]]'s Olympic Development Program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.teamusa.org:443/About-the-USOC/Community/Partner-Programs/CODP|title=CODP|website=Team USA|access-date=March 10, 2019}}{{dead link|date=September 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The goal of the program was to develop beginning athletes into elite athletes, with Springfield's program focusing on archery, hockey, tennis and volleyball. Despite the end of the Olympic program in all cities, the city maintains the program as the Community Sports Development Program sponsored by the Springfield Greene County Park Board.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parkboard.org/338/Community-Sports-Development-Program-CSD|title=Community Sports Development Program (CSDP) {{!}} Springfield-Greene County Park Board|website=www.parkboard.org|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>

On March 9, 2023, Springfield was announced as the first of four teams in [[The Arena League]], an indoor football league with its inaugural season in 2024. The [[Ozarks Lunkers]] hosts games at the [[Wilson Logistics Arena]] at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

====Sports teams====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" | Club
! scope="col" | League
! scope="col" | Sport
! scope="col" | Venue
! scope="col" | Established
! scope="col" | Championships
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight: normal;text-align:left;" | [[Springfield Cardinals]]
| [[Texas League]] 
| Baseball
| [[Hammons Field]]
| 2005
| 1
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight: normal;text-align:left;" | [[Springfield Lasers]]
| [[World TeamTennis|WTT]] 
| Team tennis
| [[Cooper Tennis Complex]]
| 1996
| 2
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight: normal;text-align:left;" |
[[Demize NPSL]]
| [[National Premier Soccer League|NPSL]]
| Soccer
| Cooper Stadium
| 2014
| 0
|-
! scope="row" style="font-weight: normal;text-align:left;" |[[Ozarks Lunkers]]
| [[The Arena League]]
| Arena football
| [[Wilson Logistics Arena]]
| 2024
| 0
|}

==Transportation==
===Highways===
Springfield is served by [[Interstate 44 in Missouri|I-44]], which connects the city with [[St. Louis]] and [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]]. [[Missouri Route 13|Route 13]] (Kansas Expressway) carries traffic north towards [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]]. [[U.S. Route 60 in Missouri|US 60]], [[U.S. Route 65 in Missouri|US 65]], and [[U.S. Route 160|US 160]] pass through the city. The average commuting time was 17.7 minutes from 2013 to 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/springfieldcitymissouri/IPE120218 |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Springfield city, Missouri |access-date=November 5, 2019 |archive-date=November 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105194753/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/springfieldcitymissouri/IPE120218 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Major streets include Glenstone Avenue, Sunshine Street ([[Missouri Route 413|Route 413]]), National Avenue, Division Street, Campbell Avenue, Kansas Expressway, Battlefield Road, Republic Road, West Bypass, Chestnut Expressway, and Kearney Street.
[[File:US-65 at I-44.jpg|thumb|Highway 65 leading to I-44]]
Springfield is also the site of the first [[diverging diamond interchange]] within the United States, at the intersection of [[Interstate 44 in Missouri|I-44]] and [[Missouri Route 13|MO-13 (Kansas Expressway)]] (at {{Coord|37.2503|-93.3107|name=Springfield, Missouri, diverging diamond interchange|display=inline|scale:3000}}).

[[U.S. Route 66 in Missouri|US 66]] and [[U.S. Route 166|US 166]] formerly passed through Springfield, and sections of historic US 66 can still be seen in the city. US 166's eastern terminus was once in the northeast section of the city, and US 60 (westbound) originally ended in downtown Springfield. US 60 now goes through town on [[James River Freeway]]. In mid-November 2013, the city began discussing plans to upgrade sections of Schoolcraft Freeway (US 65) and James River Freeway (US 60) through the city to an auxiliary route of Interstate 44. The main reason is to minimize confusion should there be an incident on I-44 as a detour route. In early 2023, plans were announced to widen James River Freeway to six lanes, three lanes each way, and designate the Schoolcraft Freeway and James River Freeway to possibly I-244.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burger |first=Rance |date=2023-01-09 |title=Six lanes, millions of dollars and big vision for James River Freeway |url=http://sgfcitizen.org/economy-growth/less-drag-to-your-drive-six-lanes-millions-of-dollars-and-a-big-vision-for-james-river-freeway/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Springfield Daily Citizen |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Airport===
[[Springfield-Branson National Airport]] serves the city with direct flights to 14 cities. It is the principal air gateway to the Springfield region. The [[Downtown Airport (Missouri)|Downtown Airport]] is also a public-use airport located near downtown. In May 2009, the Springfield-Branson airport opened a new passenger terminal. Financing included $97 million in revenue bonds issued by the airport and $20 million of discretionary federal aviation funds, with no city taxes used. The building includes {{convert|275000|sqft|m2}}, 10 gates (expandable to 60) and 1,826 parking spaces. Direct connections from Springfield are available to [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta]], [[Austin–Bergstrom International Airport|Austin]], [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport|Charlotte]], [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago]], [[Dallas Fort Worth International Airport|Dallas/Fort Worth]], [[Denver International Airport|Denver]], [[Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport|Destin/Fort Walton Beach]], [[Punta Gorda Airport (Florida)|Punta Gorda/Fort Myers]], [[George Bush Intercontinental Airport|Houston]], [[Harry Reid International Airport|Las Vegas]], [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]], [[Orlando Sanford International Airport|Orlando]], [[Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport|Phoenix]] and [[St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport|St. Petersburg/Clearwater]]. No international flights have regular service into Springfield-Branson, but it does serve international charters.

===Trains===
Passenger trains have not served Springfield since 1967, but more than 65 freight trains travel to, from, and through the city each day. Springfield once hosted the headquarters and main shops of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad [[St. Louis-San Francisco Railway|(Frisco)]]. Into the 1960s, the ''[[Kansas City-Florida Special]]'' ran from [[Kansas City Union Station]] to [[Jacksonville, Florida]], and the ''Sunnyland'' ran between Kansas City and [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]] and [[New Orleans]]. The railroad also operated two daily trains to [[St. Louis Union Station]] through its Springfield station: the ''[[Meteor (train)|Meteor]]'' and the ''Will Rogers.'' Both continued southwest to [[Union Station (Oklahoma City)|Oklahoma City Union Station]] via [[Tulsa Union Depot]]. The ''Meteor'' continued on to [[Lawton, Oklahoma]]. The Frisco's final passenger train was the ''Southland'' (Kansas City - Memphis - Birmingham), a successor to the ''Sunnyland.''<ref>{{cite journal |title=St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, Table 1 |journal=Official Guide of the Railways |publisher=National Railway Publication Company |volume=100 |issue=5 |date=October 1967}}</ref>

As late as 1949 the [[Missouri Pacific]] had a short branch line connection from the company's Springfield station to [[Crane, Missouri|Crane]], whereupon connections could be made to the ''Southern Scenic'' on the railroad's Kansas City to [[Newport, Arkansas]], line.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Missouri Pacific Railroad, Tables 6, 11 |magazine=Official Guide of the Railways |publisher=National Railway Publication Company |volume=82 |issue=8 |date=January 1950}}</ref>

The Frisco was absorbed by the [[Burlington Northern]] (BN) in 1980, and in 1994 the BN merged with the Santa Fe, creating the current [[Burlington Northern Santa Fe]] (BNSF) Railway. BNSF has three switch yards (two small) in Springfield. Mainlines to and from Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, and Tulsa converge at the railroad's yard facility in northern Springfield. In October 2006, BNSF announced plans to upgrade its Tulsa and Memphis mainlines into Springfield to handle an additional four to six daily [[intermodal freight train]]s between the West Coast and the Southeast. The [[Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad]] operates several miles of (former [[Missouri Pacific]]) industrial track in the city.

===Buses===
[[City Utilities of Springfield]] operates local bus service. [[Greyhound Lines]] serves Springfield on its line from New York to Los Angeles. [[Jefferson Lines]] serves Springfield on its line from Kansas City to Little Rock/[[Pine Bluff, Arkansas|Pine Bluff]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bts.gov/intercity-busing/bus-atlas |title=Intercity Bus Atlas &#124; Bureau of Transportation Statistics |publisher=Bts.dot.gov |date=October 6, 2021 |access-date=March 4, 2022}}</ref>

==Healthcare==
[[File:CoxHealth South.jpg|thumb|CoxHealth South]]
[[File:USMCEntrancewayMissouri.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the [[United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners]]]]
Springfield is a regional medical hub with the healthcare field employing a large number of people in the city. Major care providers include [[CoxHealth]], [[Mercy (healthcare organization)|Mercy]], Ozarks Community Hospital and Jordan Valley Community Health Center, with Mercy being classified amongst the top 100 hospitals in the country.<ref name="news-leader.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/business/2015/03/28/mercy-hospital-named-top-hospitals-list/70582286/|title=Mercy Hospital named to top 100 hospitals list|website=Springfield News-Leader|access-date=February 18, 2019}}</ref> The industry employs more than 30,000 people in the [[Springfield metropolitan area, Missouri|Springfield metro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.springfieldregion.com/data/|title=Data|last=Partnership (SREP)|first=Springfield Regional Economic|website=Springfield Regional Economic Partnership|access-date=February 18, 2019}}</ref>

[[CoxHealth]] is a private not-for-profit healthcare system headquartered in Springfield. It is ranked in the top ten hospitals in Missouri<ref>{{Cite web |title=CoxHealth Springfield |url=https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/mo/cox-health-hospital-6631320#rankings |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=US News}}</ref> and it is a seven time top 100 hospital system operating six hospitals, over 80 clinics, health plans and other facilities and employing over 12,100 people in southwest Missouri and [[Northwest Arkansas]]. The largest of the network's hospitals, [[Cox South]] is a level one trauma, stroke, and STEMI Center. Cox also runs a [[Children's Miracle Network Hospitals|Children's Miracle Network Hospital]] for specialized pediatric care.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coxhealth.com/newsroom/2017-record-setting-year-childrens-miracle-network-hospitals-coxhealth/|title=2017 a record-setting year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth|website=www.coxhealth.com|access-date=February 18, 2019}}</ref>

Mercy Hospital Springfield, part of the Mercy Health System based in [[St. Louis]], is ranked number six in the state.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mercy Hospital Springfield |url=https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/mo/mercy-hospital-springfield-6631350 |website=US News}}</ref> It has a [[Level 1 Trauma Center]] and runs a pediatric cancer center. Mercy Springfield is one of only six [[St. Jude Children's Research Hospital]] affiliates in the country, located inside the Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center named for Jane Pitt, mother of actor and Springfield native, [[Brad Pitt]], who helped to fund the center with help from his brother, businessman [[Douglas Pitt]], sister Julie, and then partner, actress [[Angelina Jolie]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.curetoday.com/articles/brad-pitt-and-siblings-donate-1-million-for-pediatric-cancer-center-in-honor-of-mom|title=Brad Pitt and siblings donate $1 million for pediatric cancer center in honor of mom|website=Cure Today|access-date=February 18, 2019}}</ref>

Both Cox and Mercy maintain [[Ronald McDonald House Charities]] and houses for families of those who have children undergoing medical treatment.

The [[United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners]], one of six federal institutions designed to handle federal inmates' medical concerns, is located at the corner of W. Sunshine Street and Kansas Expressway.<ref>"[http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/spg/index.jsp MCPF Springfield]." [[Federal Bureau of Prisons]]. Retrieved on May 20, 2010.</ref> Several high-profile criminals, including several [[Mob Boss|mob bosses]] have been housed at the center. Among them, [[Joseph Bonanno]] of the [[Bonanno crime family]] and [[John Gotti]] of the [[Gambino crime family]], who died in the center. The center also housed mass murderer [[Jared Lee Loughner]], who perpetrated the [[2011 Tucson shooting]] injuring [[US Representative]] [[Gabby Giffords]].

==Media==

=== Print ===
The city's major daily newspaper is the ''[[Springfield News-Leader]],'' which circulates to more than 50,000 people on Sundays.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} Other newspapers for Springfield include ''Daily Events'', ''Springfield Business Journal,'' which is a weekly paper that provides comprehensive business news, and ''The Standard'' which is Missouri State University's in-school newspaper, and ''Ozarks Independent'', an online local news publication.

Springfield is the base of ''417 Magazine'', a local lifestyle and entertainment magazine showcasing restaurants, attractions and local businesses in the [[417 area code]]. The magazine also maintains ''417 Biz'' for business and networking information, highlighting local businesspeople and entrepreneurs, as well as ''417 Bride'', for wedding and bridal related content.

=== Television ===
As of 2021, the Springfield media market ranks 74th in the nation, among markets like [[Omaha, Nebraska]], and [[Columbia, South Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/public%20factsheets/tv/2018-19-dma-ranker.pdf|title=Media markets}}</ref> The area is composed of 31 counties in southwest Missouri and Arkansas. As of 2021, there are 432,370 television-owning households.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/public%20factsheets/tv/2017-18%20TV%20DMA%20Ranks.pdf|title=Neilsen Local Television Market Universe Estimates 2017-2018|website=Neilsen|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414082432/https://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/public%2520factsheets/tv/2017-18%2520TV%2520DMA%2520Ranks.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Springfield area television
!Station
!Channel
!Network
!Subchannels
|-
|[[KYTV (TV)|KYTV]]
|3
|[[NBC]]
|3.4 [[Circle (TV network)|Circle]]
3.5 [[Justice Network]]

3.6 [[Quest (American TV network)|Quest]]
|-
|[[KRFT-LD|KRFT]]
|8
|[[Court TV]]
|8.2 [[TheGrio|Light TV]]
8.3 [[This TV]]

8.4 [[Heartland (TV network)|Heartland]]

8.5 [[QVC]]

8.6 [[Nuestra Visión]]

8..8 [[Dabl]]

8.9 [[Buzzr]]
|-
|[[KOLR]]
|10
|[[CBS]]
|10.2 [[Laff (TV network)|Laff]]
10.3 [[Grit (TV network)|Grit]]

10.4 [[CBN News]]
|-
|[[KYCW-LD|KYCW]]
|24
|[[The CW]]
|3.2 [[WeatherNation TV]]
3.3 [[Cozi TV]]
|-
|[[KOZK]]
|21
|[[PBS]]
|21.2 [[PBS Kids]]
21.3 [[Create (TV network)|Create]]

21.4 [[World Channel]]
|-
|[[KOZL-TV|KOZL]]
|27
|[[MyNetworkTV]]
|27.2 [[Court TV Mystery]]
27.3 [[Bounce TV]]
|-
|[[KSPR-LD|KSPR]]
|33
|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
|33.2 [[The CW]]

33.3 [[Antenna TV]]
|-
|[[KRBK]]
|49
|[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]
|49.2 [[MeTV]]
49.3 [[Movies!]]

|}

=== Radio ===
{|
|-
|  style="width:20%; vertical-align:top;"|
*[[KGBX|KGBX-FM]]
*[[KADI-FM]]
*[[KKLH|KKLH-FM]]
*[[KOMG|KOMG-FM]]
*[[KOSP|KOSP-FM]]
*[[KQRA|KQRA-FM]]
*[[KSCV (FM)|KSCV-FM]]
*[[KSGF-FM]]
*[[KSMU|KSMU-FM]]
*[[KSPW|KSPW-FM]]
|  style="width:20%; vertical-align:top;"|
*[[KTOZ|KTOZ-FM]]
*[[KTTS-FM]]
*[[KTXR|KTXR-FM]]
*[[KWFC|KWFC-FM]]
*[[KWND|KWND-FM]]
*[[KWTO-FM]]
*[[KXUS|KXUS-FM]]
|  style="width:20%; vertical-align:top;"|
*[[KWTO (AM)]]
*[[KBNN|KBNN-AM]]
*[[KSWM|KSWM-AM]]
*[[KBFL (AM)|KBFL-AM]]
*[[KSGF (AM)|KSGF-AM]]
*[[KICK (AM)|KICK]]
*[[KGMY|KGMY-AM]]
*[[KMRF|KMRF-AM]]
*[[KRZD]]
|}

===Film===
Film and television has been in Springfield since the 1950s. Several films, such as ''[[The Winning Team]]'' (1952) starring [[Doris Day]], [[Frank Lovejoy]] and future [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[Ronald Reagan]], held their premieres in Springfield at the [[Gillioz Theatre]] downtown. It was attended by Ronald and [[Nancy Reagan]], and President [[Harry S. Truman]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2015/06/07/ozarks-history-truman-reagan-town-debut-film/28660535/ | title=Ozarks history: Truman, Reagan in town for debut of film | date=June 7, 2015 | work=[[Springfield News-Leader]] | access-date=April 18, 2020}}</ref>

Springfield hosted the country music television show ''[[Ozark Jubilee]]''.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

In 2007, Springfield was one of more than a dozen other Springfields in the country vying to host the premiere of ''[[The Simpsons Movie]]'' through an online video competition voted on by readers of ''[[USA Today]]''. The premiere was ultimately hosted in [[Springfield, Vermont]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/springfield-competes-to-host-simpsons-movie-premiere/article_8a58970b-2ea5-5a44-82e1-0c40b2fa19d5.html|title=Springfield competes to host 'Simpsons' movie premiere|author=MARCUS KABEL|agency=Associated Press|website=[[Columbia Missourian]]|access-date=April 29, 2019}}</ref>

Springfield hosts the SATO 48 film contest (Springfield And The Ozarks 48-Hour Film Challenge) every spring in which filmmakers have 48 hours to make a film running five minutes or less.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

In 2018, a new film festival, Rated SGF, began in Springfield. The event is hosted by the Film and Media Association of Springfield and the Downtown Springfield Association.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ky3.com/content/news/New-film-festival-to-premiere-in-downtown-Springfield-in-March-471358814.html|title=New film festival to premiere in downtown Springfield|last=Landis|first=Michael|website=www.ky3.com|language=en|access-date=February 18, 2019}}</ref>

==Notable people==
*[[List of people from Springfield, Missouri]]

==Sister cities==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Springfield sister cities<ref>{{cite web|last=website|title=Springfield Sister Cities Association|url=https://peacethroughpeople.org/}}</ref>
!City
!Subdivision
!Country
|-
|[[Tlaquepaque]]
|[[Jalisco]]
|[[Mexico]]
|-
|[[Isesaki]]
|[[Gunma Prefecture]]
|[[Japan]]
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|United States}}
*[[Murder of Dee Dee Blanchard]]
*[[List of mayors of Springfield, Missouri]]
*[[Springfield Three]]
*[[Tiny Town (miniature park)|Tiny Town]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Fischer, Cheryl. "Desperately Seeking Justice: Women of Color in Springfield, Missouri, and Their Quest for Civil and Human Rights." in ''Resisting Racism and Xenophobia: Global Perspectives on Race, Gender, and Human Rights'' (2005): 77+  [https://books.google.com/books?id=-mHGl5HnEBIC&dq=Springfield+Missouri+history&pg=PA77 online].
* McIntyre, Stephen L., ed. ''Springfield's Urban Histories: Essays on the Queen City of the Missouri Ozarks'' (Springfield: Moon City Press, 2012) 352 pp.
* Nelson, Lynn R., and Frederick D. Drake. "The Eclipse of Progressive, Democratic Education in the United States: A Case Study of Springfield, Missouri Schools, 1924-1952." (ERIC, 1998) [https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED461587.pdf online].
* Piehl, Charles K. "The Race of Improvement: Springfield Society, 1865-1881." ''Missouri Historical Review'' 67 (July 1973): 484-521 [http://digital.shsmo.org/cdm/ref/collection/mhr/id/34637?_gl=1*ysmzj7*_ga*MTkyNjAzOTc5My4xNjk4NDYxMDM0*_ga_B5NXL6MKLP*MTY5ODY1MTgyMC40LjEuMTY5ODY1MTg5My4wLjAuMA.. online]
* Stewart, Byron. "Springfield and Greene County, Missouri Census Information, 1836-2010." (2011). [https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1128&context=articles-lib online]

===Primary sources===
* ''Personal Reminiscences and Fragments of the Early History of Springfield and Greene County, Missouri: Related by Pioneers and Their Descendants at Old Settlers' Dinners Given at the Home of Capt. Martin J. Hubble, March 31, 1907, 1908, 1908, 1910, 1911'' (Inland Printing Company, 1914) [https://books.google.com/books?id=2Oz_Lc4fiLkC&dq=Springfield+Missouri+history&pg=PA1 online].

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{wikivoyage|Springfield (Missouri)}}
{{wikisource}}
*[http://www.springfieldmo.gov/ City of Springfield]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080828114659/http://www.springfieldadventures.com/ Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau]
*[http://www.springfieldchamber.com/ Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce]
*[http://www.itsalldowntown.com/ Downtown Springfield]
* Historic maps of Springfield in the [http://dl.mospace.umsystem.edu/mu/islandora/object/mu%3A138973 Sanborn Maps of Missouri Collection] at the [[University of Missouri]]

{{Christian County, Missouri}}
{{Greene County, Missouri}}
{{Missouri county seats}}
{{Missouri}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Springfield, Missouri| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Missouri]]
[[Category:Cities in Christian County, Missouri]]
[[Category:Cities in Greene County, Missouri]]
[[Category:Springfield metropolitan area, Missouri]]
[[Category:County seats in Missouri]]
[[Category:1835 establishments in Missouri]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1835]]