"'Springfield's State" is a generic name for the U.S. state where Springfield is located in. Its unknown name and location make it one of the best running gags and one of biggest mysteries in 'The Simpsons. The state was founded by circus freaks, and was assumed to be the location of New Sodom, due to misinterpreting a passage in the Bible. Settlers from Maryland were heading for New Sodom. Instead, however, they founded Springfield, built upon its Puritan values, and Shelbyville, built on marriage between cousins.