Commercial Street, known to locals as C-Street, began as the main street of a railroad town on the north side of Springfield, Missouri. Today it is a National Register historic district where historic storefronts hold restaurants, shops, galleries, and studios. This is the district’s story: its landmarks, the organizations that care for it, and the archive of maps, documents, and photographs that record how it came to be.
Start with the history and archive, or go straight to the organizations and places that make up C-Street today.
History & Archive
Commercial Street began with the railroad. When the line reached the new town north of Springfield, a community grew up around the depot and took the street’s name. Follow the full story through origins, a year by year timeline, Sanborn maps, building histories, and first hand accounts.
Landmark
Built in 1902, the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge was the first bridge of its kind in Missouri. It carries walkers and cyclists over thirteen railroad tracks, connecting the Woodland Heights neighborhood to Commercial Street.
Organization
The Commercial Street Community Improvement District is a political subdivision of the State of Missouri, established in 2009 and renewed for fifteen years in 2019. It funds public improvements, events, and promotion across the district.
Organization
The Commercial Club is the oldest organization operating in the district. Its members work to promote, preserve, and beautify Historic Commercial Street.
Organization
The Commercial Street Merchants Association supports and grows the district’s businesses through networking, shared advocacy, and a full calendar of community events.
Place
North Springfield’s only open-air city market has welcomed visitors since 2000. Vendors bring fresh food, local crafts, and handmade goods to Commercial Street on Saturdays from April through October, and on Thursday evenings in season.
Commercial Street was designated a historic district in Springfield on July 31, 1978. These images look back at the street, the rail yards, and the people who built both.
