Birthplace of Route 66, home of Bass Pro Shops' headquarters, and the city where Wild Bill Hickok had his first gunfight.
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Founded1829|Population171,315|Peak171,315(2024)|CountyGreene County
Top 10 Most Important Events for Springfield, Missouri
1
1865Wild Bill Hickok's Shootout: Wild Bill Hickok killed Davis Tutt in Springfield's town square in one of the first documented quick-draw gunfights in the Old West.
2
1926Route 66 Birthplace: Springfield is where the proposal to name the highway 'Route 66' originated — it's the official birthplace of the Mother Road.
3
1971Bass Pro Shops Founded: Johnny Morris founded Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, growing it into the world's largest outdoor retail company.
4
1905Drury University & Colleges: Springfield developed as a college town with multiple universities including Missouri State, Drury, and Evangel.
5
2017Wonders of Wildlife Museum: Johnny Morris opened the massive Wonders of Wildlife aquarium and museum, voted America's Best Aquarium.
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Latest News in Springfield
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Complete Historical Timeline
1829Government
Settlement established
1861Disaster
Battle of Wilson's Creek nearby
1865Culture
Wild Bill Hickok shootout
1926Transport
Route 66 name proposed here
1971Business
Bass Pro Shops founded
2017Culture
Wonders of Wildlife opens
2023Government
Population exceeds 171,000
Did You Know?
1
Springfield is the official birthplace of Route 66 — the proposal to name it originated here in 1926.
2
Wild Bill Hickok's 1865 gunfight on Springfield's town square is considered the first true quick-draw duel of the Wild West.
3
Bass Pro Shops' headquarters includes the massive Wonders of Wildlife Museum, voted America's Best Aquarium.
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