Springfield, Oregon : About Our Past
Every state seems to have a Springfield. Many were named after pre-existing Springfields further east. But this Springfield's namesake has a unique origin.
In 1849, after a long trip across the country via the "southern route," Elias M. Briggs and his wife Mary built their house near a babbling spring. Briggs developed a town around the spring in a meadow near his homestead, now Springfield, Oregon.
These pioneers were typical of the generations of hard workers who followed them. As soon as the early settlers dug millraces and opened their flour and lumber mills, this town became known as a mill town. Though it's been 150 years since the first settlers spawned Springfield's reputation, important mill icons remain imbedded in the psyche of many of the town's residents. Even Springfield High School's mascot is The Millers.
One attractive feature is the town's proximity to natural beauty. Year-round, Springfielders enjoy views of sparkling rivers and fir-covered hills. The mountains and Pacific Ocean are only an hour drive away. Springfield, Oregon surely has the most beautiful setting of any Springfield in the country.
In addition to the Willamette Valley's aesthetic diversity, Springfield is fortunate to attract a diverse citizenry. From loggers to environmentalists, developers to historic preservationists, we have it all!
Springfield at a Glance
Springfield is ideally situated just to the east of I-5 and between the McKenzie and Willamette rivers. This location provides access to major arteries and easy access to the coast, the rivers and the mountains.
