During Spanish rule from 1783 to 1810, Springfield stood on El Camino Real, now Louisiana Highway 22, and was the site of a stockade or small fort. In the 1810 revolt against Spain, local residents led by William Cooper remained loyal to Spanish authority. However, rebels led by Gen. Philemon Thomas prevailed at Baton Rouge with the help of 44 grenadiers from Springfield under the command of Col. John B. Ballinger, and they helped capture the Spanish fort there on Sept. 23, 1810.