About Springfield

Springfield, Missouri is the third largest city in the state of Missouri and is still growing. The attractions an entertainment for Springfield can be found listed in the Springfield, Missouri Yellow Pages or in the Springfield, Missouri business directory. It lists all the different hot spots, attractions, entertainment, restaurants and hotels that will cater to your every desire.

Springfield became incorporated in 1838. The same year the US government forcibly removed Cherokee Native Americans from their homesteads in Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. Their move to the "Indian Territory" became known as the Trail of Tears because of the deaths while on their journey and because of the relocation. Their journey took them right through Springfield, MO and is known today as Old Wire Road. Downtown at Springfield's Park Central Square there is two brass plaques that is in the pavement marking the locations of where Wild Bill Hickock and Davis Tutt, Jr. stood when they had a quick draw duel. This duel is recorded as the nation's first and only duel shootout. Tutt claimed that Hickock owed him money and took a watch of his, claiming he would wear it in public to show that Hickock did not pay his debts. The next day, Tutt fired a shot at Hickock missing his head by nearly inches. Hickock fired back killing Tutt with a shot through the heart. Because of Hickock's marksmanship, it not only made nationwide news, but allowed him to become known worldwide.

The economy in Springfield, Missouri is widely based upon the health care industry, manufacturing, tourism, retail, and education. A four lane road running through Springfield, called National Street is known as the Medical Mile on the south side of town. Two main hospitals are located along this street as well as doctors offices, rehabilitation offices, pain clinics and psychiatric care. Tourism and retail are also a big part of the economy with a very large mall also located on the south side of Springfield, as well as, a well known tourism hot spot just about 40 miles south of Springfield, Missouri. Education is also a big factor in the economy with the public school system being the largest in the state of Missouri. The higher education level is supported by a variety of many different colleges, some of which are located in and around the downtown area.

Written by Lyndsey Morgan