West Baden Springs in Orange County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Archway

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021

1. Archway Marker

Inscription.
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.

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38° 34.018′ N, 86° 36.875′ W. Marker is in West Baden Springs, Indiana, in Orange County. Marker is on West Baden Avenue just west of Broadway Street (Indiana Route 56), on the right when traveling west. Marker is located beside the sidewalk on the right (north) just after passing through the subject archway when heading west on West Baden Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8538 West Baden Avenue, West Baden Springs IN 47469, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

(looking southeast • marker is edge-on at left • West Baden Springs Archway in background)

Construction Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021

3. Construction Plaque

(mounted on west side of arch)
Made by the
International
Steel & Iron
Company
Evansville — Indiana

West Baden Springs Archway (<i>west elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021

4. West Baden Springs Archway (west elevation)

(looking east • Broadway Street in background)

West Baden Springs Archway (<i>east elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021

5. West Baden Springs Archway (east elevation)

(looking west • West Baden Springs Hotel in background)

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 107 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.