With a staggering annual visitation of 2.1 million, Hot Springs emerges as a prominent tourist destination. Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains, the city is surrounded by numerous natural hot springs, from which it derives its name. At its core lies the oldest federal reserve in the United States, now preserved as Hot Springs National Park, serving as a testament to its rich historical and natural significance. The city’s allure can be traced back to the ancient beliefs of numerous Native American tribes, who perceived healing properties attributed to the thermal waters. With federal protection granted in 1823, Hot Springs experienced a surge in popularity, evolving into a hub for spas, major league baseball training centers, underground gambling, and horse racing venues. With a rich history dating back centuries, Hot Springs is characterized by its natural thermal springs and profound cultural significance.
As early as 12,000 B.C., archeological evidence suggests that during the Paleo-Indian era, a pivotal period marking the end of the last ice age and the emergence of humans in the archaeological record of North America, Native Americans inhabited the area of Hot Springs. Moreover, evidence indicates the presence of other indigenous groups, potentially linked to their historic Caddo Indians, who also utilized the area. Renowned for their agricultural expertise and sophisticated social structures, the Caddo tribes coexisted peacefully, utilizing the thermal springs as a neutral ground during times of conflict. Centuries later, European explorers arrived in the Hot Springs area, with Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto making initial contact in 1541. Unfortunately, this encounter brought with it the introduction of diseases that decimated the native populations. When the French arrived a century later, led by Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, they encountered the Quapaw tribe, who welcomed them warmly and established trade relations. The subsequent arrival of French explorers, such as La Salle and Henri de Tonti, further solidified these relationships, culminating in the establishment of a French fur trading post in 1686. This trading post marked a significant milestone as the first European settlement west of the Mississippi River, showcasing the growing influence of European powers in the region. However, political shifts saw control of the region ceded to Spain in 1763, then returned to France in the 1800s, until the United States acquired the territory through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. President Thomas Jefferson subsequently dispatched expeditions to explore the new territory, including the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1807, Emmanuel Prudhomme became the first permanent settler in the valley of Hot Springs, attracting visitors drawn to the area for its thermal springs. It wasn’t until 1818 that the Quapaw relinquished part of their territory to the U.S. in a treaty, paving the way for Arkansas to become its territory in 1819 and later designated as a federal reservation. By the early 1830s, the allure of the springs had grown exponentially, fueling a surge in population growth in Hot Springs.
During the Victorian era, Hot Springs flourished as a premier destination. Initially, bathhouses were rudimentary structures made of canvas and lumber; however, by the 1850s, these modest structures were replaced by wooden frames, signifying the city’s growing prosperity. At the heart of Hot Springs’ allure were its thermal springs, where water flowed into tanks, allowing bathers to control the temperature by pulling ropes to separate hot and cold water. They then indulged in the therapeutic benefits of the springs within the specially constructed vapor rooms, strategically positioned over thermal springs, allowing vapor to rise through small floor cracks. By 1851, Hot Springs had transformed into a bustling hub, boasting two rows of hotels, several bathhouses, and a thriving commercial district. The city’s prominence was further solidified during the Civil War when, fearing the capture of state records in Little Rock by Union troops, Hot Springs briefly served as Arkansas’s capital from May 6 to July 14. Despite the turmoil of war, Hot Springs remained unoccupied, safeguarding the state records. By the 1870s, Hot Springs had experienced substantial growth, with a population of 1,200 residents and the emergence of six bathhouses, 24 hotels, and the state’s largest luxury hotel, the Arlington Hotel. The appointment of Benjamin F. Kelley as the first reservation superintendent in 1877 marked the beginning of a period of transformative engineering projects. Private owners seized the opportunity to enhance downtown bathhouses, converting them into elegant structures that attracted visitors. The arrival of the railroad further catalyzed Hot Springs’ evolution into a cosmopolitan spa destination. attracting visitors nationwide. In 1886, the Chicago White Stockings baseball franchise chose Hot Springs for their spring training, capitalizing on the city’s warmer climate and establishing its reputation as a premier location for baseball camps. As the city’s popularity surged, new amenities emerged, including elaborate bathhouses, electric trolleys, telephone lines, and upscale stores. Thoroughbred horse racing added to the excitement with the inauguration of races at Essex Park in 1904, followed by the opening of Oaklawn Park, now Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, the following year. However, Hot Springs faced adversity when two devastating fires ravaged the city, claiming lives and destroying buildings, including the Crystal Bathhouse, a cornerstone of the city’s tourism industry. Despite these setbacks, Hot Springs endured, reflecting the resilience of its residents and the enduring appeal of its natural wonders.
On August 25, 1916, a pivotal moment in American conservation history unfolded as Congress established the National Park Service. With its inception, a new era of preservation and stewardship dawned. By 1921, recognizing the significance of thermal springs in Hot Springs, the area was officially designated as Hot Springs National Park. Under the leadership of Stephen T. Mather, the inaugural director of the National Park Service, a concerted effort was made to develop the site, ultimately culminating in its designation as the eighteenth national park in the United States. This transformative move resulted in a notable shift in identity for the city, with locals referring to their hometown as Hot Springs National Park. Subsequently, the government expanded its holdings, acquiring over 900 acres of land, including Hot Springs Mountain, North Mountain, West Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Whittington Lake Park. The thermal springs at the base of Hot Springs Mountain continue to flow at a staggering rate of well over half-million gallons per day, sustaining the natural wonder that defines the park. Miles of roads and trails traverse the rugged beauty of the mountains, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the park’s scenic splendor. In 1926, Leo McLaughlin assumed the mayoralty of Hot Springs, fulfilling a campaign promise to maintain the city as an “open” town, which encompassed legal gambling. This decision ushered in an era of prosperity and notoriety, attracting diverse visitors, including underworld figures and prominent gangsters like Al Capone. By 1962, the city’s notoriety became a significant issue in the race for governor, prompting calls for action. In 1967, when Winthrop Rockefeller assumed office as governor of Arkansas, he directed the Arkansas State Police to crack down on gambling in the spa city. Despite these “impediments,” Hot Springs continued to evolve and flourish. Today, Hot Springs National Park stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of preservation and conservation. Bathhouse Row, with its eight historic and architecturally significant bathhouse buildings and meticulously maintained gardens, is a testament to the park’s rich heritage and enduring allure. As visitors continue to experience the therapeutic waters and breathtaking beauty of the park, the spirit of preservation that gave rise to Hot Springs National Park continues to inspire and captivate.
Reflecting on Hot Springs’ rich past and cultural significance serves as a call to honor and preserve the legacy that resides within its picturesque landscapes. From the Native American inhabitants to the European explorers and the visionary leadership of figures like Thomas Jefferson to the countless expeditions that followed, each thread in Hot Springs’ history weaves together to form a narrative of resilience and exploration. As individuals journey to Hot Springs and partake in its myriad offerings, from the rejuvenating thermal waters to the historical landmarks, it becomes imperative to honor and respect the profound heritage that enriches every aspect of the Hot Springs experience. Individuals must not merely visit Hot Springs but instead immerse themselves in its rich history, safeguarding and embracing its prominent legacy for generations to come. Through collective efforts, it will ensure that the beauty and significance of Hot Springs endure, inspiring future generations to cherish and embrace this remarkable place.
Works Cited
“History & Culture – Hot Springs National Park (U.S.” National Park Service, 30 September 2022, https://www.nps.gov/hosp/learn/historyculture/index.htm. Accessed 21 March 2024.
“Hot Springs, Arkansas – Home of Healing Waters – Legends of America.” Legends of America, https://www.legendsofamerica.com/hot-springs-arkansas/. Accessed 21 March 2024.
“Hot Springs (Garland County).” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/hot-springs-887/. Accessed 21 March 2024.
“Hot Springs National Park Breaks Visitation Records in 2021 – Hot Springs National Park (U.S.” National Park Service, 23 February 2022, https://www.nps.gov/hosp/learn/news/hot-springs-national-park-breaks-visitation-records-in-2021.htm. Accessed 21 March 2024.
Mitchell, Kimberly. “French History of Arkansas.” Only In Arkansas, 23 February 2022, https://onlyinark.com/culture/french-history-of-arkansas/. Accessed 21 March 2024.
“Ultimate Guide to Downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas.” Arkansas Frontier, https://arkansasfrontier.com/downtown-hot-springs-arkansas/302786/. Accessed 21 March 2024.