Springfield, Oregon was first settled by Elias and Mary Briggs and their family, in 1848. The town was named ‘Springfield’ as Elias settled by a spring of water, and eventually enclosed the area in a field. The family operated a ferry across the Willamette River. Industry came to Springfield in the form of flour and saw mills and was incorporated in 1885. The first railroad line arrived in Springfield in 1891, with the arrival of the Portland, Eugene and Electric Railroad streetcar. Springfield nowadays covers 14 square miles and has 34 public parks. The estimated population in 2006 was 57,065 residents. Average daily temperatures range from 46F (8C) in January to 82F (28C) in mid-summer.
The main industry around Springfield was lumber, but in the 1990’s the Weyerhaeser sawmill and plywood plant closed, and the associated paper mill was downsized. New industries include Springfield Creamery, Oregon Medical Laboratories and Peace Health, which opened the Sacred Heart Medical Center. Springfield is home to the Wildish Theater, some good shopping and several hotels. There is a huge range of restaurants with cuisine from all over the world. Many fans of ‘The Simpsons’ believe this is the ‘Springfield’ mentioned in the TV show. Accommodation can be booked in Springfield through EasyToBook.com.