Red Boiling Springs

Red Boiling Springs. A Town of History and Healing. The history of this area started due to the salt licks which gave Salt Lick Creek its name. It is just as the name implies, whereas the buffalo and other animals came and licked the salt emitting from the ground. Here they obtained their own medicine, the nutrients in the salt. The Big Barren Buffalo Road, the Tahlonteeksee Trail, and the Cumberland Trace followed the same path worn out many years ago by those varied animals. The Native Americans also followed these same paths seeking the animals as did the pioneer settlers who sought easier access into yet unexplored territory. There was a Cherokee village in what is now downtown Red Boiling Springs. The last known Cherokee chief was Chief Katawley. Long hunter Edmund Jennings happened upon this hunter's mecca, and afterwards news spread of this unique area and people began to settle this region. Shepard Wright Kirby and sister Susanna (Kirby) Goad discovered the healing properties of the many mineral waters. These are the mineral waters found here, listing the waters strongest to the mildest: double and twist, white, black, red, and freestone. During the Civil War there was only one hotel, the Bledsoe, which was a row of cabins. Due to this being the accommodation large enough for this purpose, this became an enlistment center and later it became a Civil War hospital. There was much movement of troops, Union and Confederate, through this region. The notoriety of the healing mineral waters brought many investors who built a booming and thriving mineral resort town. The town featured nine hotels and twelve boarding houses, all filled to capacity. There was a shooting gallery, bowling, skating, croquet, tennis, dancing, music, swimming, canoeing, fishing, golfing, horse back riding, and other attractions for all to enjoy. The town's popularity began to wane after World War II with the advent of modern medicine, the automobile, and better roads. Today three of the hotels can still be appreciated where one can find healing, not only in the baths, massages, mineral waters, and good food but also in the relaxation offered by the peace and quiet here. The gently flowing, soothing Salt Lick Creek offers its own relaxation. One can take a stroll through the many scenic parks and other beautiful areas offered locally. Through the many historic signs erected, the history can be learned that made this town famous. The walking quilt trail within the parks is unique and also very enjoyable. The Red Boiling Springs Heritage Museum offers education and delight through relics and history of long ago. A small town with smiling faces and friendly places, Red Boiling Springs is still that mecca for anyone seeking the history of long ago, who has thought for today, and the desire for a better tomorrow.