Mud Lick in Bath County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Olympian Springs

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 21, 2019

1. Olympian Springs Marker

Inscription.

This famous resort, known by 1791 as Mud Lick Springs, was favored for a century by such prominent visitors as Henry Clay. First stagecoach route in Kentucky began in 1803 between here and Lexington. Many Lexingtonians fled here from cholera epidemic of 1833. 28th US Infantry camped here during War of 1812. Civil War Cavalry Battle was fought here, Oct. 19, 1864.

Erected 1970 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1342.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1791.

Location. 38° 3.722′ N, 83° 40.414′ W. Marker is in Mud Lick, Kentucky, in Bath County. Marker is on Kentucky Route 36 just south of Olympia Spring Road and Old State Road, on the left when traveling north. It is just outside the gate of a small walled graveyard in the corner of a farm field. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4085 Mud Lick Rd, Salt Lick KY 40371, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Clear Creek Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 5 miles away); Unwind with Us

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(approx. 5 miles away); Bourbon Iron Works / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 5.4 miles away); Caney Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (approx. 7.2 miles away); Gen. Hood Birthplace (approx. 7½ miles away); Capt. John “Jack” Jouett, Jr. (approx. 7½ miles away); Bath County (approx. 7½ miles away); Courthouse Burned (approx. 7½ miles away).

Also see . . . Olympian Springs. Article in KYGenWeb excerpted from The Springs of Kentucky by J. Winston Coleman, Jr. Excerpt:

The springs were purchased by Col. Thomas Hart, father-in-law of Henry Clay, around the turn Of the century, and renamed Olympian Springs. It was during Hart's ownership that the first hotel was built, with a dining room that would seat one hundred. The medicinal value of the springs' water was praised by physicians, who recommended the waters for ailments from skin to digestive disorders. The social life at Olympian Springs included music, dancing, bathing, hiking, horseback riding, and hunting. It was often said that the social offerings Of the springs were more popular than the medicinal use of the waters. The resort proved so popular that it was the destination of
Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 21, 2019

2. Graveyard and the Olympian Springs Marker
Kentucky's first stagecoach line, which originated in 1803 in Lexington. In 1807 Cuthbert Banks, formerly proprietor of Henry Clay's hotel in Lexington, purchased the 625-acre site. He expanded the hotel and its reputation for fine food, including the best venison in the western country. He purchased the land with money borrowed from Hart, guaranteed by a mortgage On the property; upon Hart's death in 1812, Henry Clay as executor of his estate sold the mortgage to Col. Thomas Dye Owings. This episode may have given rise to the legend that at one time Clay owned the springs and lost it in a poker game.

(Submitted on March 15, 2020.)

Olympian Springs Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 21, 2019

3. Olympian Springs Cemetery

Tall gravestone on the left: “Harrison Gill. Born July 10, 1808, died May 21, 1886. At rest.” Tall gravestone in the center: “George Ann Lansdown, wife of Harrison Gill. Born in Owingsville, Ky. Oct. 21, 1820. Died at Olympian Springs June 21, 1883. In God’s care.”

1822 Newspaper Article image. Click for full size.

via Explore Kentucky History

4. 1822 Newspaper Article

Olympian Springs,
Bath County, Ky. The Proprietor would announce to the public that this watering place is now open for the reception of visiters. He deems it unnecessary to say more at this time in regard to these Springs, as they are so well known as not to require it. — The present proprietor has had charge of them for a number of years, and leaves to those who have visited them while under his control to speak of the manner in which they are kept. It is sufficient to say that his best efforts will be devoted to the comfort, convenience and pleasure of all who may visit during the season.

Lines of Stages run daily from Lexingon, Maysville and Paris to Mt. Sterling, at which place comfortable Carriages are always kept in readiness by Mr. A. B. Wilkerson, to convey passengers to the Springs at $1.50 each.
June 21, ’22 —H. Gill

☞ Kentucky Statesman, Paris Citizen, Winchester Chronicle, copy to amount of $3 each, and charge this office.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 707 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 15, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.