Springfield was established in 1636 at the junction of the Agawam and Connecticut Rivers by William Pynchon and a company of six men from Roxbury. The purpose of establishing Springfield was a trading and fur-collecting post. The town of Springfiled was incorporated in 1641 and became a city in 1852. The city was named in honor of Pynchon's English birthplace. 
The Connecticut River serves as an easy means of transport helping in the continous economic growth of the city. It is conveniently connected to New York, Canada and Boston.
Set on the crest of the Missouri Ozark Mountain plateau, Springfield is surrounded by flat or gently rolling tableland. The climate is characterized by mild winter and coll summers. Drainage to the north flows into the Gasconade and Missouri Rivers while drainage to the south flows into the White and Mississippi Rivers. The average annual temperature range is over 140 degrees with lowest temperatures below minus 25 degrees and highest temperatures above 115 degrees.

Area: 73.16 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 1,268 feet above sea level

Latitude: 42.11 N, Longitude: 72.55 W

Average Temperatures: January, 32.5° F; July, 78.6° F; annual average, 56.2° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 41 inches of rain; 15 inches of snow

Population: 151,732 (as on July 2005)

Attractions

• Wilson's Creek National Civil War Battlefield
• Wildlife American National Fish and Wildlife Museum
• Exotic Animal Paradise
• Springfield's Dickerson Park Zoo
• Fantastic Caverns

Festivals

• Artsfest in May
• Ozark Empire Fair in August
• Ozark Auto Show in October