The war was a turning point.

During the Civil War, with Springfield fluctuating between the Union and the Confederacy, and major military activity here, population growth slowed and some people left for safer places. But, after the war, development again was spurred with new people from the northwest, New England and the Middle States. Many men from both sides during the war became attracted to the beauty of the area and resettled their families here.

Progress was further helped by the extension of the railroad here from St. Louis in 1887. The new railroad caused problems, however, as a dispute resulted in the line going north of Springfield proper. The new town of North Springfield developed, centered around Commercial Street. With some rivalry, both towns grew and prospered until they were finally consolidated in 1887.

Like the rest of the nation, the city's residents suffered from the panic of 1893, with several banks failing and business bad. Effects were felt until the turn of the century. This didn't slow immigration, however, with new people coming from the northern states to the warmer climate of the area.