Simpsons' Springfield inspired by Oregon

April 10, 2012

One of the best-kept secrets in television history was unmasked when "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening revealed the Springfield in Oregon as the basis for the hometown of his characters, The Associated Press reports. The admission came in an interview with Smithsonian Magazine that was published online Tuesday. Groening says he was inspired by the TV show "Father Knows Best," which took place in a place called Springfield. Springfield, Ore., is 100 miles south of Groening's hometown of Portland.