Park Central Square (Springfield, Missouri)

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July 21, 1865: Wild Bill Hickok shoots Dave Tutt dead in the town square over a gambling dispute. The shootout reported nationwide is regarded as the first true western showdown.

1905: Three African-American men are lynched in the town square for allegedly raping a white woman, though guilt was never established.

It is also known as "The Birthplace of Route 66," due to its early connection with the designation of that highway. A plaque in Park Central Square was dedicated to the city by the Route 66 Association of Missouri for just that.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   37°12'32"N   93°17'32"W
This article was last modified 19 years ago