Springfield
Oregon
City of Springfield
History:
Springfield was settled when Elias and Mary Briggs and their family arrived in 1848. They were among the first party to travel to the region via the "Southern Route" by Klamath Lake, over the Cascades, into the Rogue Valley, then north to the Willamette Valley.
Elias Briggs chose for his home a place convenient to a spring of water and in due time this land was fenced in. This enclosure became known as the "springfield" hence the name of the town. The Briggs family operated a ferry across the Willamette River at roughly the site now occupied by the Union Pacific railroad bridge.
In 1852, Mr. Briggs began building a town. He dug and built the mill race and he and Mr. Driggs of Linn County formed the Briggs and Driggs Company and began to build a flour mill and a saw mill in 1853 and 1854 respectively.
Springfield was platted in 1856, incorporated as a city February 25, 1885, and received its charter March 17, 1893. In 1891, Springfield had a general merchandise store, two grocery stores, two cigar stores, a drug store, two dress shops, two blacksmiths, a variety store, a meat market, a saloon, a barber shop, a shoe store, three hotels, two schools, and three churches. Also, in 1891, Springfield received its first railroad line. In 1910, Springfield welcomed the Portland, Eugene and Electric Railroad streetcar.
Springfield maintained its small town ways until after World War II. The retail center was still Main Street, industries were northwest of the railroad tracks and residences were to the north. In 1940, the City's area was only 1.5 square miles and the population only 3,805. By 1998, apartments covered the spring. The City expanded to more than 13 square miles and the population grew to 51,700.
Recent News
City Facilities Back to Normal Hours Starting from January 18, 2024
Springfield City Hall, including the Springfield Public Library and the Springfield Municipal Court, will be back to normal open hours starting from, Thursday, January 18. City Hall will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be open…
Read More »Heritage Arts Grants Available for Springfield Projects
Heritage Arts Grants Available for Springfield Projects Application deadline is February 27, 2024 The Springfield Arts Commission (SAC) is currently accepting applications for its Heritage Arts Grant (HAG). Organizations, groups, artists, and…
Read More »City of Springfield Launches Springfield Map Hub
City of Springfield launches Springfield Map Hub The City of Springfield’s Development and Public Works Department (DPW) is launching a new web tool today to make more Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data available and accessible to…
Read More »Springfield's Up Stream Art Mural Painting Project is July 20-21, 2023
See art in action! Springfield’s UpStream Art mural painting project is July 20-21, 2023 Community members are invited to watch artists at work for the eighth annual UpStream Art mural painting project. Four Oregon artists will be creating…
Read More »Lane Regional Air Protection Agency LRAPA Board Vacancy
The City of Springfield is accepting applications for a Springfield community member representative to the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) Board. This position will be appointed by the City Council with a term ending December 31, 2026. …
Read More »Encuentra Tu Voz Con la Biblioteca Publica De Springfield
Vengan a la Biblioteca Pública de Springfield y participen en las actividades de lectura de verano. Hay algo divertido para todas las edades: bebes, niños, adolescentes y adultos. Se puede participar durante el verano entero, hasta el…
Read More »Deadline Extended to June 23: Nominations Invited for Springfield Heritage Awards
Deadline Extended to June 23: Nominations Invited for Springfield Heritage Awards In celebration of May is National Historic Preservation Month, the City of Springfield invites community members to submit nominations for the 2023 Springfield…
Read More »City of Springfield News - Lane Regional Air Protection Agency Board Vacancy
The City of Springfield is accepting applications for a Springfield community member representative to the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) Board. This position will be appointed by the City Council with a term ending December 31, 2026. …
Read More »City of Springfield News - Nominations Invited for Springfield Heritage Awards
In celebration of May is National Historic Preservation Month, the City of Springfield invites community members to submit nominations for the 2023 Springfield Heritage Awards, a program to recognize significant achievements in stewardship of the…
Read More »Mayor VanGordon Selects Springfield Public School Students for Statewide Competition
Mayor VanGordon Selects Springfield Public School Students forStatewide Competition Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon invited Springfield Public Schools students to participate in the “If I were Mayor …” Student Contest held…
Read More »Springfield Residents: Enter Your Dogs in the Canine Calendar Contest
Do you have an adorable dog? And enjoy the outdoors? Enter your dog for a chance to be featured in the City of Springfield’s Canines for Clean Water 2024 Calendar. This calendar celebrates our canine friends while providing ideas for keeping…
Read More »City of Springfield News - Team Springfield Partners Release Joint Statement In Response to Antisemitism
Team Springfield Partners Release Joint Statement In Response to Antisemitism On February 24, 2023, Team Springfield partners jointly signed a statement united in the rejection of antisemitism. Team Springfield partners include the City of…
Read More »City of Springfield - Applicants Sought for Ward 4 Council Seat
The Springfield City Council is seeking an interim Councilor to serve Ward 4 through December 31, 2024. Community members interested in this opportunity must apply by 5 p.m., March 23, 2023. The application form is available at…
Read More »City of Springfield : Deadline extended to March 3, 2023, at 5 p.m. Applicants Sought for Springfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
We’re seeking dedicated individuals who want to offer their talents, experience, and perspectives to help make a difference in the Springfield community! Community members are needed for a variety of Springfield boards, committees, and…
Read More »City of Springfield’s Bond Measure Street Improvement Projects Completed Three Years Ahead Of Schedule
Springfield’s street repair efforts funded by general obligation (GO) Bond Measure 20-296 have been completed three years ahead of schedule. The final project was completed this past summer. A section of Centennial Boulevard, from Aspen Street…
Read More »City of Springfield News - Springfield City Councilor Leonard Stoehr Moving from Springfield; Steps Down from Council Seat
Springfield City Councilor Leonard Stoehr Moving from Springfield; Steps Down from Council Seat At the Monday, January 23 City Council Work Session, Ward 4 Councilor Leonard Stoehr announced his resignation on the Springfield City Council citing…
Read More »City of Springfield News - Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon’s 2023 State of the City Address January 19 at Wildish Theater
Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon’s 2023 State of the City Address January 19 at Wildish Theater Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon is inviting the community to his 2023 State of the City Address watch party starting at 5:30 p.m., Thursday,…
Read More »City Of Springfield : Applicants Sought For City Budget Committee
The City is seeking applications for four open positions on the Springfield Budget Committee, and one open position on the Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) Budget Committee. The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m., February…
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