Springfield's Forgotten Stories
A project in CAP 115 Interdisciplinary Writing
Sometimes when we’re talking about an historical event or a famous person’s hometown, we say they “put that place on the map!” Being “on the map” means a place holds significance beyond just being a spatial location. Commemorating important locations helps us remember the things that matter to our communities. But all kinds of events happen everywhere, and most are forgotten. Who gets to decide what goes “on the map?” What gets left off, and why?
Beginning in 2025, first year Capital Scholars Honors students in Dr. Katie Carlson and Dr. Elise LoBue's CAP 115 Interdisciplinary Writing course collaborated in groups to investigate and discover the stories of unsung places in Springfield that deserve to be remembered even when they are not.
We encourage you to explore our map. Each placemark on the map provides a short story and includes links for additional information about these stories.
Credits
The Donner Party: Ashlee Brown, Emma Frazier, Destinee Harper, Ryan Kries
Orpheum Theater: Abigail Gleason, Mallory Herber, Lucas Naugle,
Lake Springfield Beach House: Kalli Drexler, Taegan Neteler, Kenya Smith, Makenna Yeager
Smokey’s Den: Josslyn Gaona, Grayce Harmon, Kia Hobbs, Keshunna Jackson
Jim Fitzpatrick Memorial Stadium – Ellie Najarro, London Hobby-Ruffin, Mikaili Williams
Ruth Ellis family home – Anthony Andrews, Gracie Orme, Christian Rivera, Jose Leguizamo
Potawatomi Trail of Death – Noah Stephenson, Chevy Noosong, Madison Siefken
The Taco Tree – Jenna Baker, Joe Brudnak, Reese Lowery
Moody Brothers endurance flying record – Angel Rodriguez, Alex O’Malley, Marissa Romero