Historic Commercial Street, affectionately called C-Street, is Springfield, Missouri’s premier Historic District. C-Street was the original Downtown of the the City of North Springfield, MO.
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, Springfield’s first railroad, came to Springfield in 1870. It bypassed the town and laid its tracks a mile north of “old” Springfield into the “new” town of North Springfield. A commercial district sprang up around the railroad depot and the street was thus named “Commercial.”
Commercial Street had a colorful reputation. Many Springfield businesses moved to North Springfield after 1870 to do business with the railroad. Bars, hotels and restaurants were opened to cater to rail personnel, inhabitants and travelers. It was the place to go for good food and music. It became a part of the City of Springfield in 1887.
Today, Commercial Street is booming area with lofts, a variety of businesses, restaurants, and special events. It is a thriving community of artists, professionals, craftsmen, teachers and students.