Springfield - Ohio - History

Notable things have been happening in the Springfield/Clark County area ever since the first Indian fighters and settlers began discovering this region of the country more than two centuries ago. Prehistoric mound builders were probably the first residents of Clark County. Traces of their structures can still be found in Enon.

George Rogers Clark, for whom the county is named, led a band of Kentuckians into this territory and defeated the Shawnee Indians at the Battle of Piqua on August 8, 1780. One of the tribe was a boy of twelve named Tecumseh who later became a famous Shawnee leader dedicated to fighting white settlers. Born in Clark County, emissary to all the Indians of the North western and South western territories, Tecumseh opposed westward migration in the early 19th century. He led unremitting warfare against white settlement in his land. A member of the Clark Expedition, John Paul, returned to the area and built a home in 1790. He is believed to be the first white settler to locate in what became Clark County.

The Treaty of Greenville in 1795 between the Indians and General Anthony Wayne, generally opened this area for settlement. Indian hostility in Ohio ended with General William Henry Harrison's victory at Tippecanoe in 1811. It began the opening of the Northwest Territory.

One of the County's early settlers was James Demint, who erected a cabin at the confluence of Mad River and Lagonda (Buck) Creek in 1799. It was on his land that a plan of the city was made in 1801. The same year, Griffith Foos built the first tavern, which became a famous stagecoach stop. In 1804, the first post office was recorded for Springfield.

In 1817, 412 square miles out of parts of Champaign, Greene and Madison Counties were mapped that became Clark County. By 1827, the tiny frontier hamlet had become a town and was granted a city charter by the State of Ohio in 1850. Simon Kenton’s wife named it “Springfield” for its many springs and abundant waters.

Springfield was incorporated as a city on March 21, 1850. J. M. Hunt was the first mayor of Springfield. He presided at the first meeting of the city council held May 18, 1850. Mr. Hunt served as mayor through 1853.

In 1909, Springfield received its first motorized fire engine. The Webb engine was the second of its type to be used in the United States. It replaced a steam fire engine, a hose wagon, and five horses.

The Old National Road was completed through Springfield in 1839, and the railroads of the 1840's provided profitable business to the area. Agriculture, then industry, flourished. By the beginning of the Civil War, the two had joined to help Springfield become one of the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment.

In 1983, "Newsweek" magazine chose Springfield and Clark County as the focus of its 50^th anniversary issue, which chronicled the impact of the past 50 years on five local families.

It includes a rich history, exciting sports and recreation, bustling commercial districts, outstanding cultural attractions, nationally recognized educational institutions, and comfortable.