West Baden Springs in Orange County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Archway
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021
1. Archway Marker
The entrance of West Baden Springs Hotel features a double archway and serves as a gateway to the magnificent hotel. The International Steel and Iron Company was awarded the contract for the construction in 1902.
The archway was actually constructed at the company headquarters in Evansville, Indiana. When it was completed, it was placed on flatcars of the Southern Railway, hauled to the site in West Baden and lifted onto the foundation by derricks.
The arches bear the name "West Baden Springs Carlsbad of America" for the famous spa, Karlovy Vary, in Czechoslovakia (now known as the Czech Republic). "Karlovy Vary" translates to "Carlsbad" in German.
Carlsbad was famous for its many mineral springs, just as in West Baden. Carlsbad means "Charles' bath," named for the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, who is believed to have discovered the mineral springs at Carlsbad in 1347.
Also on the archway is a gnome-like being, which serves as the logo for the hotel. The character is known as "Sprudel," the German word for "spring."
Erected by French Lick Resort Historical Walking Tour. (Marker Number 10.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Shawnee Hills and in Southern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company (a few steps from this marker); West Baden Depot (a few steps from this marker); The Eighth Wonder of the World Revived (within shouting distance of this marker); Traveling in Style: The Monon Connection (within shouting distance of this marker); Brick Drive (within shouting distance of this marker); Golf Courses (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Apollo: Spring No. 3 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sprudel: Spring No. 7 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Baden Springs.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. West Baden Springs Hotel
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021
2. Archway Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021
3. Construction Plaque
Made by the
International
Steel & Iron
Company
Evansville Indiana
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021
4. West Baden Springs Archway (west elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021
5. West Baden Springs Archway (east elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
