Springfield took its name from abundant springs gushing from limestone boulders. The town, with its stores, shops, and hotel, was built around a plaza and once boasted 2,000 inhabitants. It is believed to have been founded by Donna Josefa Valmesada, a Mexican woman of means with a reputation for aiding Americans in the War with Mexico. During its heyday, 150 miners carts could be seen on the road hauling gold-bearing dirt to the Springfield springs for washing.