In 1829 the future site of Springfield was designated by John Polk Campbell, of Tennessee. Three Fulbright brothers, William, John, and Levi, along with their families arrived early in 1830 and were quickly followed by other settlers. The town of Springfield was established on February 18, 1838 after founded by Campbell in 1829 (a copy of incorporation papers can be found in "Annexation Atlas" from State of Missouri Archives). Named to honor Nathanael Greene, of Revolutionary War fame, Greene County was organized in 1833 and once composed of the entire southwest corner of the state. National attention was given to Springfield in 1858 when the city became a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail, a stagecoach line, from Tipton, Missouri, to San Francisco. In area bitterly divided between Northern and Southern sympathizers, a major Civil War engagement called "The Battle of Wilson's Creek" took place 12 miles from Springfield on August 10,1861. In 1863 the streets of the town were again embroiled in conflict during "The Battle of Springfield." John Smith Phelps, a leading citizen, served as Governor of the State of Missouri from 1879 to 1881, having previously served as United States Congressman.

The first train of the Atlantic-Pacific Railway, which became the St.Louis-San Francisco Railway, or "Frisco," arrived in 1870, and over the years, it has added much to the economic growth of the entire area. Springfield has long been known for its homes, schools, and churches, and since World War II many distinguished industries have been developed. Park Central Mall, once known as the Public Square, has been the hub of redevelopment and business activity. Springfield has almost 200 churches, five colleges, 42 parks, and takes pride in many cultural organizations, among which are the Springfield Art Museum, Springfield Symphony, Springfield Little Theatre, and Springfield Greene County Historical Museum.

Mosher House
The Moser House is located at 1147 E. Walnut. Built about 1893 on land originally purchased in 1837 by James Dollison, the home has a distinct charm. Of interest are the shingles on the roof, hand carved of wood and rounded as opposed to conventional square tipped shingles. A beautiful cut-glass, leaded window enhances the appearance of the entrance. Inside doorknobs are fluted and made of solid brass. The home has a total of eight rooms, with a breakfast nook the only addition to the original structure. Owners have included Harriet A. Mosher, William W. Woods, Nellie C. Milligan, Mrs. Forest R. Nichols, Mrs. Gentry North, Nellie C. Milligan, Mrs. Forest R. Nichols, Mrs. Gentry North, Mrs. Betty Upchurch, and Dr. and Mrs. James Riley. Architectural style: Late 19th century city residence Springfield Historical Site Register: January 17, 1975.
Not open to the public. (top)

St. Paul United Methodist Church
St. Paul United Methodist Church is at 413 E. Walnut, at the northeast corner of Walnut and Jefferson Streets. The cornerstone for the present stately brick building was laid June, 1903, and the first services were held on June 26, 1904. The congregation goes back to 1831. Through efforts of church members the present building was constructed at the cost of $50,000. In 1923 an expansion program costing $90,000 was completed. The architecture of the building is an example of the academic neoclassicism, common at the turn of the century. Outstanding exterior features of St. Paul Church are the four lonic columns, stained glass windows, and predominant dome.
Architectural style: Greek Revival
Springfield Historical Site Register: January 27, 1975
Open to the public by arrangement with church office (top)

Gazebo
The Gazebo, is in Maple Park Cemetery, on Grand Street between Jefferson and Campbell. It is a unique
example of an ornamental structure and a longtime feature of the cityscape. An octagonal pavilion with a concrete floor, capped with an onion shaped dome, the Gazebo has been used as a bandstand and a shelter for public speakers. A circle drive surrounds the lacy Gazebo and many fine old trees grace the area. Construction date is undetermined, but late nineteenth century origin is indicated by construction. The cemetery association was organized in 1876. Maple Park Cemetery is a privately owned association and is the final resting place of many prominent Springfieldians.
Architectural style: Saracenic
Springfield Historical Site Register: August 5, 1974
Open to the public. (top)

Bentley House
The Bentley House, at 603 E. Calhoun, is a stately and much noted landmark in Springfield. Now owned by
The Vaini Family, the 18 room structure, built in 1892 for J.F.G. Bentley, was designed by W.F. Hackney, an
architect prominent in Springfield and Kansas City. The handsome turreted structure rests upon a foundation of cut stone and red brick. The wood is painted to match the brick foundation, and the roof is of slate. Cut glass leaded windows grace the entrance and the walnut paneled interior is marked by a magnificent stair lighted by a stained glass window. The builder, J.F.G. Bentley, served as president of the Bank of Springfield and other businesses. After Bentley's death in 1921, his widow, Tryphena Crane Bentley, continued to live in the house. After her death in 1932, Frank C. Bentley, a son, and his wife, Georgia Moist Bentley, lived there the remainder of their lives. The Bentley House was purchased by Drury College in 1965, and served as the college's French student center and swim team residence. The exterior remains unaltered, except for the removal of the carriage house from the grounds. Recently the house exterior and interior were preserved by the Vaini family.
Architectural style: Queen Anne
Springfield Historical Site Register: August 5, 1974 (top)

Jefferson Street Footbridge
The Jefferson Street Footbridge spans the north yards of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway from Chase Street to the corner of Jefferson and Commercial. Completed in 1907, the bridge was constructed by the American Bridge Company of Patterson, Pa., for $8,200. The ordinance authorizing the bridge also provided for underpasses at Lynn and Washington Streets for vehicular traffic, offering safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians from residential areas north of the railway yards to the Commercial Street shopping area.
As originally designed, the bridge's main span was 406 feet long, suspended by two towers. Access on the north was provided by steps and a bicycle ramp 245 feet long. In 1954 the ramps were replaced by the present concrete steps, but the main span remains as a rare example of a suspension bridge for pedestrian traffic, still serving as an imaginative solution to a public safety problem and an unusual feature of the city landscape.
Springfield Historical Site Register: December 10, 1973
Open to the public (top)

Calaboose
The Calaboose, sometimes referred to as "the old city Calaboose," is located at McDaniel Street west of
Campbell Street in a city-owned parking lot. Built in 1892 by contract with Alex Skoog for $2,988, the stone and brick building is the oldest remaining public building built by the city. It replaced a two-room frame jail with an earthen floor. At one time housing both male and female prisoners, the building was used as a detention facility for persons under investigation or sentenced to short terms. The exterior is essentially as it was after remodeling in 1916. The building is being is being restored to its original condition and is proposed to be a police museum, possible one of the few of its type in Missouri.
Springfield Historical Site Register: January 8, 1973
Open to the public after restoration is completed. (top)

National Cemetery
The National Cemetery is at the southwest corner of Glenstone and Seminole. Begun as a burial place for men who died in the Battle of Wilson's Creek, august 10, 1861, and other battles in Southwest Missouri, the cemetery now includes 14 acres. In 1870, on a four acre site separated from the National Cemetery by a stonewall, a Confederate Cemetery was established, the first in Missouri. The two cemeteries were united by direction of the federal government in 1911. Members of the United states armed forces of every war since 1861 rest here, as well as a soldier of the American Revolution, William Freeman. In the original National Cemetery is the monument honoring federal soldiers who fought at the Battle of Springfield, January 8, 1863, and a monument to General Nathaniel Lyon, who died at Wilson's Creek and was buried in his native Connecticut. In 1901 a monument to General Sterling Price and the Confederates of Missouri were placed in the cemetery. Near the entrance are cannons from the Civil War forts around Springfield and a bronze tablet bearing the Gettysburg address. This site has been proposed for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Owned by the Veterans Administration, United States Government.
Springfield Historical Site Register: August 19, 1974
Open to the public during visiting hours
Brochure available (top)

The Booth-Dickey House
The Booth-Dickey house, located at 1620 East Walnut, is one of the oldest residences yet identified inside the Springfield City Limits. The lot upon which it stands was purchased in 1869 by Waldo Booth, and the house is presumed to have been built shortly thereafter. Charles Dickey, a prominent local attorney in the early years of this century, and his family were long-time owners and residents. Other owners have included Waldo Booth, William H. Park, Helen Stonebraker, and F.M. McDavid. The current owners, Dr. and Mrs. T.H. Tucker, have made some alterations in the exterior appearance of the house, which has been a long time favorite of Springfieldians.
Architectural Style: American colonial
Springfield Historical Site Register: October 28, 1974
Not open to the public (top)

The Day House
Located at 614 South Street, this house was built in 1875 by George Sale Day. A former councilman and mayor of Springfield, Day began his career in Springfield as a mason and brick manufacturer. He also engaged in the grocery business. The house, solidly built of local brick, is a central hall plan capped with a Mansard roof. The porch is ornamented with jigsaw work, and the entrance retains the original hand blown glass windows. Mr. Day deeded the property to his wife, Theresa, for "Love and other Considerations" and after her death it was sold to the McCluer family, who retained title until 1943. The present owner of the structure is Richard P. Stahl, A.I.A.
Mr. Stahel uses the building for his offices, and takes pride in maintaining its exterior in its original state.
Architectural Style: eclectic, combining elements of Georgian and French empire, with Victorian jigsaw trim.
Springfield Historical Site Register: January 8, 1973
Not open to the public. (top)

Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Episcopal Church is at 601 E. Walnut, on the northeast corner of Walnut Street and Kimbrough Avenue. This church has the oldest sanctuary still in use in Springfield. The first service was held in this building on New Year's Eve, 1870. The congregation had been organized in 1859. The original church, on West Walnut, was struck by lightning. Lovely Christ Episcopal Church was construed from Michigan white pine timber delivered from Rolla, Missouri, by wagon. The nave, featuring memorial stained glass windows, remains virtually the same as it was originally constructed, despite additions to the church itself. In 1927 and additional nave was put into use, built at a cost of $60,000 and using native limestone in the English gothic style. The belfry is topped with four distinctive pinnacles and crosses.
Architectural style: Gothic Revival
Springfield Historic Register: October 28, 1974
Open to the public by arrangement with church office. (top)

Keet-McElhany House
The Keey-McElhany home is at 435 East Walnut. Built in 1881 by John C. Tolfree, the house was purchased by James E. Keet in 1883. By 1886 it had been converted from a plain two-story brick dwelling with a flat roof into a charming example of Victorian architecture. The home was designed by Mr. Keet after the Armour Mansion in Kansas City and features towers, spire, ironwork, and decorative plaster capitals. The brick, nails, pillars, and ornate cornices were made locally. Owners have included James E. Keet, president of Keet-Rountree Dry Goods and other businesses, his wife, Katherine Holland, and his daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Claude (Katherine Keet) McElhany. The home retains most of its original interior. The proud elegance of the residence and its association with a family prominent in banking and business circles create a flavor of the nineteenth century in current day downtown developments.
Architectural style: Victorian gothic, Eastlake manner
Springfield Historical Site Register: December 10, 1973
Not open to the public (top)

Shrine Mosque
The Shrine Mosque, 601 St. Louis Street, is on the northeast corner of St. Louis Street and Kimbrough. The
building was dedicated on November 3, 1923. built by members of Abou Ben Adhem Temple, the "Mosque" was designed by architects Heckenlively and Mark at a cost of over $600,000. The four story building, containing a large auditorium, stage, seating for 4,750 persons, and offices, is built of red brick with polychrome terra cotta trim. Other interesting features of the building are the mosiac tiles in the foyer, mahogany woodwork, and Arabic designs. An outstanding stained glass window was designed by Stanley Uthwatt, a local artisan. Atop the Mosque are domes with Arabic inscriptions. The Shrine Mosque has served as a cultural and entertainment center and as the scene of political, religious, musical, and sports activities. Personalities contributing to the history of the building include President Harry S. Truman, General John J. Pershing, John Philip Sousa, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Admiral Richard Byrd, Will Rogers, Jeanette McDonald, Glen Miller, Lyndon Johnson, and many others. Recently the Mosque's lower level was renovated.
Architectural style: Saracenic
Springfield Historical Site Register: October 1, 1973
Open to the public (top)

Stone Chapel
Stone Chapel is at the notheast corner of Benton and Central on the Drury College campus. The name of the chapel is derived from its doner, Mrs. Valeria G. Stone, of Malden, Mass., whose gift of $50,000 to Drury College allocated $20,000 to the chapel. It is said to be the first stone building in the city. It was the college's first major building. Stone was chosen over brick to correspond to the name of the donor, and the cornerstone was laid on November 16, 1880. The first sturcture, while still unfinished, was damamged by fire, and reconstruction was begun with local contributions. The work was completed in 1892. Renovation of the interior was begun in the 1950's and was completed in 1962. Stone Chapel stands today as a symbol for Drury College and a landmark for the city. For many years it served as a chapel, place for classes, setting for weddings, concerts, lectures, chatauquas, and civic meetings, as well as the scene for awarding of honorary degrees from Drury College to nationally known figures, including General Omar Bradley, Composers Rogers and Hammerstein, General Jonathan Wainwright, and Congressman Walter Judd.
Architectural style: Gothic Revival
Springfield Historical Site Register: October 1, 1973
Open to the public by arrangement with Drury College (top)

Landers Theatre
The Landers Theatre is at 311 East Walnut Street. It is only legitimate theatre still standing in
Springfield, and since 1970 has been the home of Springfield Little Theatre, Inc. Built in 1909 by John and D.J. Landers and R.W. Steward, the building opened with the musical comedy "The Golden Girl." The exterior is of brick and terra cotta, with theatre masks forming the keystones above double windows and cartouches bearing the letter "L." The orchestra, parquet, and balcony remain essentially unchanged. Original plaser and carved wooden moldings have undergone renovation, and many original light fixtures remain. The proscenium opeing is 26 feet wide and 28 feet high. Springfield Little Theatre is restoring the theatre in appearance. As the Landers Orpheum Theatre, vaudeville and stage presentations were given, ranging from Lillian Russell, John Philip Sousa's Band, and Fanny Brice to wrestling matches. In 1928 the Landers became the 35th theatre in the world to acquire "talkie" installations. In 1940 it became a Fox-Midwest Theatre, and in 1959 was the home of Jubilee, U.S.A., national NBC-TV show. The Landers has made a significant contribution to the social and cultural life of Springfield.
Architectural style: Baroque Renaissance, Napoleon
Springfield Historical Site Register: January 8, 1973
Open to the public by arrangement with Springfield Little Theatre (top)

City Hall
City Hall is located at 830 Boonville, at the northeast corner of Boonville Avenue and Chestnut Trafficway. The building, constructed of cathage stone, has served 80 years as a federal or city government center. Authorized in 1888 by legislation steered through Congress by Representative William H. Wade of Springfield and signed by President Grover Cleveland, the building was opened on June 21, 1894. This noble bilding has housed the post office, land, and federal district attorney, and federal court. An addition was completed in 1914. In 1938, the present central post office was completed and the city of Springfield acquired the building. City offices moved in during October, 1938. Little change has been made in the appearance of the building, and restoration of the woodwork and other portions of the interior has enhanced City Hall. The forcast flag for the weather bureau once flew from the tower. The building boasts rare gargolyes on two roof areas.
Architectural style: H.H. Richardson Romanesque
Springfield Historical Site Register: October 1, 1973
Open to the public (top)

Springfield Listings National Register of Historic Places (top)

1. Abou Ben Adhem Temple (Shrine Mosque) -- 601 St. Louis, listed 9/9/82.
2. Bentley House -- 603 East Calhoun, listed 11/14/80.
3. Christ Episcopal Church -- 601 East Walnut, listed 3/26/87.
4. Commercial Street Historic District -- listed 5/24/83.
5. Day House -- 614 South Street, listed 11/7/76.
6. Gillioz Theater -- 325 Park Central East, listed 7/9/91.
7. Keet-McElhany House -- 435 East Walnut, listed 3/22/84.
8. .Landers Theater -- 311 East Walnut, listed 8/12/77.
9. Midtown Historic District -- listed 7/13/89.
10. Old Calaboose (Old Springfield City Jail) -- 409 West McDaniel, 11/14/80.
11. Stone Chapel -- Drury College, listed 10/21/82.
12. U.S. Customhouse and Post Office (City Hall) -- 830 Boonville, listed 6/27/79.
13. Walnut Street Historic District -- listed 3/21/85.

Contacts:

History Museum of Springfield and Greene County, Missouri Phone: 864-1976
City Hall 3rd floor, 830 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802

Department of Planning and Development - 864-1695

Landmarks Board: Paula Ringer (417) 831-7672