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Hot Springs
| Established: |
1921 | Note: Hot Springs Reservation established by an act of April 20, 1832 (4 Stat. 505). Dedicated to park use by an act of June 16, 1880 (21 Stat. 288). Redesignated Hot Springs National Park by an act of March 4, 1921 (41 Stat. 1407) |
| Location: |
Southwestern Arkansas |
| Acres: |
5,839 |
Hot Springs National Park is the most visited attraction in Arkansas. First discovered and long revered as a sacred site by native Indians for the healing properties of its waters. The British used these springs to relieve the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis in the 1760s. The popularity of this area prompting President Thomas Jefferson to send an American expedition team here in 1804 to explore the regions 47 thermal hot springs. Subsequent survey reports finally led to its preservation as a federal reservation in 1832. Making it the first preserved area of the National Park System. Forty years before the first National Park was established at Yellowstone in 1872.
The formation of the hot springs begins as surface water percolates down through the mountain sediment. Its impurities are filtered out and acquires properties that are unique to this water. The hot spring water becomes sterile with a distinctive taste, natural carbonation, and temperature of 140. It was among the three most frequently visited springs in America during colonial times. The other areas included Saratoga Springs (New York) and White Sulfur Springs (West Virginia). When physicians began prescribing sitting in these hot springs for joint ailments; the push was on to develop these areas for tourists and patients alike. The railroads soon connected Arkansas to St. Louis and Chicago. Beginning an influx of people who descended upon Arkansas to be cured by these "miracle waters".
AR, Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row
Vestiges of this era have been meticulously restored at the park. In 1989 the National Park Service completely renovated the historic Fordyce Bathhouse. One of six bathhouses now open at Hot Springs. Its Roman tubs, Turkish
baths, stained glass windows, and terra cotta detailing exude the lavish opulence that made these springs famous.
AR, Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row Map
Bathing is permitted in the hot springs to allow visitors to judge for themselves the purported therapeutic properties of these miracle waters. Hot Springs has one campground with 45 campsites. Hot Springs is the most visited attraction in Arkansas with 1.5 million visitors viewing these springs each year. Hot Springs National Park, PO Box 1860, Hot Springs, AR 71902, (501) 624-3383 www.nps.gov/hosp
Some excellent additional photos of Hot Springs National Park can be viewed at www.terragalleria.com
AR, Hot Springs National Park, Buckstaff Bathhouse
All text and photos copyright ©1994-2006 Charles A. Read and ScenicUS.
Comments or Suggestions, Contact the Author Charles A. Read.
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