Town of Springfield

748 Main Street, PO Box 4, Springfield, CO 81073

Phone: (719) 523-4528 Fax: (719) 523-6956

Tammy Newman, Town Manager - tnewman@springfieldco.gov
Christy Eskew, Town Clerk / Treasurer - ceskew@springfieldco.gov

Springfield, Colorado: A Town Forged in History

Springfield isn't just a dot on the map; it's a place where the spirit of the Old West still whispers on the wind. Nestled in the southeastern corner of Colorado, a crossroads halfway between Denver and Amarillo, and a stone's throw from both Kansas and Oklahoma, Springfield stands as the proud county seat of Baca County. With a population of 1,375 (2020 census), this town embodies the heart and resilience of rural America.

Springfield's story begins with the vast open range, where cattle grazed and farmers tilled the soil. It was a vital stop on the stagecoach route, a bustling hub connecting communities. Our name, a nod to the many early settlers hailing from Springfield, Missouri, reflects our origins and the pioneering spirit that built this town.

Founded in 1887 by the Windsor Town Company, Springfield officially became a town in 1889. That same year, local legends Jim and Frank Tipton, using a "soldiers' script," secured the title to the 80 acres that would become the heart of Springfield. It was also in 1889 that Springfield was first named the temporary county seat, setting the stage for a dramatic competition with rival towns like Minneapolis, Stonington, and Boston. Local lore tells of two representatives from Boston getting lost in a blizzard on the day of the initial election. After much debate, a second election was held, and Springfield emerged victorious, securing its place as the permanent county seat.

But the drama didn't end there. Springfield's first act as the official county seat was to purchase the largest hotel in Boston for $6,000 to serve as the courthouse. The deal was simple: payment upon delivery, provided the building was intact and handled with care. Fate, however, had other plans. Tragically, the hotel burned to the ground the very day before its scheduled arrival. Undeterred, Springfield faced similar misfortune with its next two courthouses, both succumbing to flames. Finally, in 1929, the sturdy courthouse that stands today was erected, a testament to the town's unwavering determination.

Not to be outdone by the courthouse saga, the story of Springfield's jailhouse is equally captivating. In 1889, the town contracted for a two-celled steel cage at a cost of $3,254. The jailhouse arrived on September 10th of that year, ready to uphold the law in this booming frontier town. According to Kent Brooks's book "Old Boston" (to purchase "Old Boston: As Wild As They Come" click HERE ), "the sheriff could not exceed 95 cents for feeding prisoners, and the main crime was horse thieving". For more history on Springfield and Baca County, visit Mr. Brooks's blog by clicking HERE.

Springfield's history is a rich tapestry woven with the threads of perseverance, community, and a touch of Wild West drama. Come visit us and experience the spirit of this unique Colorado town for yourself!

This is the official website for the Town of Springfield, Colorado.