Simpsons creator reveals real town behind Springfield

One of the best-kept secrets in television history has been revealed, with The Simpsons creator Matt Groening pointing to Springfield, Oregon, as the inspiration for the animated home town of Homer and family.

Groening told Smithsonian magazine that he was inspired by the television show Father Knows Best, which took place in a place called Springfield. He worked out that Springfield was one of the most common city names in the US.

“In anticipation of the success of the show, I thought, ‘This will be cool; everyone will think it’s their Springfield’. And they do,” he said.