Charters in Lewis County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Esculapia Springs

By J. J. Prats, October 21, 2019

1. Esculapia Springs Marker

Inscription. Site of one of the most popular health resorts along Ohio River, 1845-60, seven miles west. Mineral water from spring widely used for medicinal purposes. Resort was easy of access by boat and drew many out of state guests until destroyed by fire, 1860. Decline in use of spring water followed. Twenty other antebellum watering places flourished in Kentucky.

Erected 1964 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 778.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list.

Location. 38° 34.35′ N, 83° 25.99′ W. Marker is in Charters, Kentucky, in Lewis County. Marker is at the intersection of Kentucky Route 9 and Kentucky Route 989, on the left when traveling west on State Route 9. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 189 Charters Dr, Vanceburg KY 41179, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rome (approx. 7.2 miles away in Ohio); Buckeye Station (approx. 10.6 miles away in Ohio); Massie’s Station (approx. 12 miles away in Ohio); Israel Donalson / Manchester Founders Cemetery

By J. J. Prats, October 21, 2019

2. Esculapia Springs Marker

(approx. 12.2 miles away in Ohio); Manchester (approx. 12.3 miles away in Ohio); Manchester, Ohio (approx. 12.3 miles away in Ohio); Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society (approx. 15.6 miles away in Ohio).

Esculapia Springs, Kentucky (Sulphur Springs) image. Click for full size.

Wood block print, Kentucky Historical Society Martin F. Schmidt Collection, 1847

3. Esculapia Springs, Kentucky (Sulphur Springs)

Page from from Collins’ Historical Sketches of Kentucky, Cincinnati, 1847. “Esculapia or Sulphur Springs is located in Lewis County. This celebrated watering place is situated in a romantic valley, surrounded by tall hills of easy ascent, from which the view is picturesque and enchanting. The improvements have been greatly extended within a few years, and now afford ample accommodations for 200 visitors. There are two springs, one of white sulphur, the other Chalybeate, said to be equal if not superior to the waters of similar kind in Virginia.”

Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 47 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 18, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.