Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Hot Springs' First Bathhouse

— Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District —

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022

1. Hot Springs' First Bathhouse Marker

Inscription. Asa Thompson's bathhouse, built in 1830, is credited with being the spa's first public bathhouse. At that time, almost all visitors came in the summer. The open baths, open log cabins and sweathouses made warm weather the only practical time for making use of the springs.

Erected by City of Hot Springs.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.

Location. 34° 31.063′ N, 93° 3.291′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Central Avenue (Arkansas Route 7) and Canyon Court, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the sidewalk in front of the Mountain Valley Spring Co. Visitor Center and Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park AR 71901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of the Founding Convention Assemblies of God April 2-12, 1914 (a few steps from this marker); 201 Central Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs in 1860 (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs' First White Settler (within shouting distance of this marker); State Capitol Moves to Hot Springs

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs' Resort Beginnings (within shouting distance of this marker); 126 (within shouting distance of this marker); 122 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hot Springs.

Regarding Hot Springs' First Bathhouse. Asa Thompson's bathhouse was a simple log building with a wooden tub located near present-day Arlington Lawn and Hale Bathhouse. He charged customers $1 ($26.30 in 2021 dollars) for the use of his spring-fed baths, making it the first known commercial use of geothermal energy.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022

2. Hot Springs' First Bathhouse Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.