Valhermoso Springs in Morgan County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Valhermoso Springs

"Vale of Beauty"

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, October 23, 2010

1. Valhermoso Springs Marker

Inscription. The restorative qualities of the mineral springs here attracted settlement in the early 1800s. Variously known as Chunn Springs (after Lancelot Chunn) and Manning Springs (after Robert Manning), the spot was named for early developers of the resort where a hotel and surrounding cabins were erected between 1818 and 1823. By 1834, when the first post office was established, it was called White Sulphur Springs.

Jean Joseph Giers acquired the hotel and surrounding property in 1856, renaming it "Valhermoso Springs." Into the 20th century, travelers from all over the world came to the hotel and springs seeking relief from rheumatism, insomnia, consumption, and ailments of the skin, kidneys, stomach, and liver. The hotel closed in the 1920s and was destroyed by tornado in 1950.

Erected 2000 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.

Location. 34° 30.4′ N, 86° 40.617′ W. Marker is in Valhermoso Springs, Alabama, in Morgan County. Marker is on State Highway 36 east of Thomas Road, on the right when traveling

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east. Marker is located just east of the bridge and is marked by 'Historical Marker' signs up to 1500 feet from the pull-off. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Valhermoso Springs AL 35775, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Union Hill School (approx. 3.9 miles away); Lacey's Spring (approx. 5.4 miles away); Triana, Alabama (approx. 6.2 miles away); Somerville, Alabama (approx. 7.3 miles away); First Permanent Court House, Morgan County (approx. 7.3 miles away); Site of Ditto's Landing and Town of Whitesburg (approx. 8.1 miles away); The Boeing-Vertol A/ACH47A Helicopter Gunship (approx. 9.1 miles away); Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church (approx. 10 miles away).

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, October 23, 2010

2. Valhermoso Springs Marker

Overall showing the main marker and the two ground-level plaques.

Valhermoso Springs Resort image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, October 23, 2010

3. Valhermoso Springs Resort

Some of the famous and infamous people reported to have visited the resort are President Zachary Taylor, Vice President Wm. R. King, from Alabama, Governor Thomas Bibb, 2nd Ala. Gov., Governor Ruben Chapman and the outlaw Jesse James. For more information visit the Morgan Co. Archives in Decatur Alabama.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, October 23, 2010

4. Valhermoso Springs Resort

This once famous health resort was located across the highway approximately 30 yards north of the bridge. Down the creek from the bridge approximately 400 yards at the bottom of the gorge the rocks are so arranged as to form a natural swimming pool. Near the pool are seven springs in a small circular arrangement each containing different mineral waters.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, October 23, 2010

5. Valhermoso Springs Marker

Looking east along Alabama Highway 36.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 7,749 times since then and 418 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 24, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.