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is a city in Webster County, Missouri, United States. The population was 5,720 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat and part of the Springfield, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area.
On April 18, 1880, an intense tornado measuring F4 on the Fujita scale struck Marshfield. Its damage path was wide and long. The tornado killed 99 people and injured 100, and it is said that 10% of Marshfield's residents were killed and all but 15 of its buildings were destroyed. According to Ripley's Believe It or Not!, a baby girl was found sleeping peacefully in the branches of a tall elm. This is believed to be the origin of the children's lullaby "Rock A Bye Baby." The child was never identified and was later adopted by a local family.
Hosmer Dairy Farm Historic District, also known as Walnut Springs Farm, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is currently a popular place for wedding ceremonies.
In 1948, President Harry S Truman visited the city. On July 4 1991, President George H.W. and Barbara Bush visited the annual fourth of July parade. The town boasts the oldest Fourth of July celebration West of the Mississippi River and in the State of Missouri, which is the reason the First Family chose Marshfield as a campaign stop on the nations' birthday.
In 2006 the city made the national news as it welcomed the largest gathering of Presidential relatives in the history of the nation. The historic gathering occurred for the announcement ceremony of the National First Families Library and Museum, which is located on the city square.
Marshfield is the sister city of Marshfield, Massachusetts and is a Tree City USA. The city is also home to the Webster County Museum and the Missouri Walk of Fame, which is Missouri's version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The walk honors famous Missourians and stars are unveiled during the annual "Cherry Blossom Festival."