The 800th episode of The Simpsons, the longest-running primetime scripted series in U.S. television history, is set to air Sunday. While the milestone episode places the Simpson family in Philadelphia, much of the show’s creative DNA traces back to Portland, Oregon. Creator Matt Groening grew up in the Pacific Northwest city, drawing inspiration from its streets, neighborhoods and local character as he shaped the fictional town of Springfield.
Nearly four decades after its debut, the series continues to reflect those early influences, which remain embedded in character names and locations familiar to Portland residents.
From Portland Streets to Springfield
Although Springfield is intentionally ambiguous in location, many of its characters share names with Portland streets. During the 1990s, showrunner and head writer Bill Oakley, who later moved to Portland, noted that Groening repurposed local street names as a practical and creative solution for building an expansive fictional universe.
NW 23rd Avenue intersects with several streets that inspired prominent characters: Flanders, Lovejoy, Kearney and Quimby. In the series, Ned Flanders is the Simpsons’ famously upbeat neighbor; Reverend Lovejoy serves as Springfield’s clergyman; Kearney appears as a recurring school bully; and Mayor Quimby is portrayed as a charismatic but corrupt politician. According to Oakley, Quimby’s name was also influenced by its resemblance to the Kennedy family surname.
Ned Flanders and Civic Recognition
Among the most recognizable Portland references is Flanders Street. Its connection to Ned Flanders has become a point of civic pride. In 2021, Portland’s Bureau of Transportation officially renamed a freeway overpass from Flanders Crossing to Ned Flanders Crossing. The site now features a bronze plaque bearing the character’s likeness and signature greeting, celebrating the city’s link to the iconic series.
Treacherous Roads and Iconic Villains
Portland’s influence extends beyond friendly neighbors. The winding Terwilliger Curves, a challenging section of Interstate 5 known for its sharp turns, inspired the surname of one of the show’s most memorable antagonists: Sideshow Bob, whose full name is Robert Underdunk Terwilliger. The name reflects both Groening’s familiarity with the local landscape and the show’s penchant for layered satire.
Evergreen Terrace: Real and Fictional
Evergreen Terrace, the street where the Simpson family resides, also has roots in Portland. Groening grew up on the real Evergreen Terrace, located in a leafy hillside neighborhood. However, the fictional address of 742 Evergreen Terrace does not exist in Portland, where house numbers begin much higher. The number 742 has become a canonical part of the show’s lore, despite lacking a specific real-world origin.
A Practical Approach to World-Building
In the early years of the series, writers faced the challenge of inventing dozens of memorable characters. Drawing from street names offered a ready-made resource. According to Oakley, the method was less sentimental than practical. With numerous names needed quickly, streets and phone books provided distinctive and usable options.
Conclusion
As The Simpsons reaches its 800th episode, the show’s enduring success reflects a blend of satire, cultural commentary and deeply rooted personal inspiration. Portland’s streets may not resemble Springfield visually, but their names continue to echo throughout the animated town. Nearly 40 years on, Groening’s hometown remains subtly woven into one of television’s most influential creations.
