Southwest Missouri Braces for Daylight Saving Time Shift This Weekend
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — As the temperatures start to drop and the leaves start to change color in Southwest Missouri, residents are preparing to “fall back” on the clocks this Sunday when Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends at 2:00 a.m. Clocks will shift back one hour, granting an extra hour of sleep but ushering in earlier sunsets. For many in the Ozarks, this biannual ritual sparks curiosity about the history of DST and its impact on the region.
A Brief History of Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time, the practice of advancing clocks by one hour in spring and setting them back in fall, has roots dating back over a century. While often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who jokingly proposed waking Parisians earlier to save candle wax in 1784, the concept gained traction during World War I. Germany implemented DST in 1916 to conserve energy, and the United States followed suit in 1918 with the Standard Time Act, which also established time zones.
In Southwest Missouri, the adoption of DST was met with mixed reactions. Farmers, a significant portion of the region’s population in the early 20th century, often opposed it. Despite resistance, DST became a federal mandate during World War II to save fuel, solidifying its place in American life.
DST in Southwest Missouri: A Regional Perspective
Southwest Missouri’s relationship with DST reflects its blend of urban and rural identities. In the 1960s, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized DST across the U.S., though states could opt out. Missouri embraced the practice, but debates persisted in rural counties, where farmers and small business owners voiced concerns over disrupted routines.
In recent years, Southwest Missouri has seen renewed discussions about DST’s relevance. Proposals to adopt permanent standard time or DST have surfaced in the Missouri legislature, but no changes have been enacted.
Looking Ahead: This Weekend’s Change
As Southwest Missourians prepare for Sunday’s shift, local officials urge caution.