Before European settlement, the Osage, Delaware, and Kickapoo Native American tribes inhabited the Springfield area. The first permanent European settlers were John Polk Campbell and William Fulbright and their families in 1818 and 1830. Soon others began arriving in the city, which was incorporated in 1838. No one is quite sure why the city was named Springfield. Some people think it was because of the springs in the area and others believe the founders took its name from other towns in the east bearing the same name. Wherever this settlement got its name, history will never forget Springfield for The Trail of Tears, a series of tracks instituted by President Andrew Jackson in 1830, forcing all Native American tribes to leave their homelands. Springfield was a direct route through which thousands of Indigenous people tracked in their banishment. Traces of the trail can still be seen in Springfield today. The Civil War brought military activity to Springfield with the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862 and the Battle of Springfield in 1863. The Union and the Confederates fought these battles to control the area, with the Union as the ultimate victor. The arrival of the St. Louis-San Francisco railway line on April 21, 1870, brought much commercial and industrial diversification and growth to the city of Springfield. Route 66 became the first completely paved transcontinental highway in America in 1938, stretching from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Coast. Of course, Springfield has bragging rights to the road as it was the city's officials who first proposed the name in 1926. Springfield has a pretty varied and colorful history with the quick-draw shootout between Davis Tutt and "Wild Bill" Hickok in 1865, the heinous lynching of three innocent Black men in 1906, the Young brothers massacre of 1932, and the cobra scares of 1953. The Ozark Jubilee, the first national country music television broadcast, placed Springfield on the map. From 1955 to 1960, it featured many famous country music stars and takes credit for popularizing country music in the U.S.

Springfield is an absolute delight to explore with its vibrant atmosphere of top-notch experiences, tantalizing all five senses. You will discover an unlimited number of things to do and experience, but here are a few nuggets that you really must try:

Gailey's: This historic delight is a former drug-store soda counter turned hip morning café. A hidden gem loved by the locals and an absolute treasure at which to enjoy the first meal of the day.

Sculpture Walks Springfield: Take a walk in the museum without walls because this public 3D art initiative will blow your mind with its spectacular art pieces lining the sidewalks.

Fantastic Caverns: This cavernous tour is one that you want to add to your bucket list with its Jeep-drawn trams through 7,300 caves dotting the Missouri Landscape. The site will fill you with awe and wonder!