John and Madison Campbell, two brothers from Tennessee, opened the door to history in 1820s Missouri when they set out on a prospecting expedition. Following suit were William and John Fulbright who staked their claim near Jones Springs in 1830: settling into what would become Springfield with construction of the first cabin at 1200 West College Street. Almost 100 years later this momentous event was commemorated by placement of an historic marker as a tribute for generations to come.

On March 4, 1830 John P. Campbell set out to make his mark on the land around a natural spring near what is now Founder’s Park – and he did just that! The resourceful pioneer took out his knife and carved his name into an ash tree nearby claiming ownership of all surrounding property; thus beginning a settlement which would grow over five years’ time from empty fields with no inhabitants, to become Springfield – home for hundreds of people by 1835. Four short years later in 1838 this thriving community became officially recognized as Greene County upon its incorporation by Mr. Campbell himself.