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

Hot Springs' First White Settler

— Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District —

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022

1. Hot Springs' First White Settler Marker

Inscription. The first White man to settle near the hot springs was Emmanuel Prudhomme of Louisiana, who came in 1807 for reasons of his health. He bathed in the springs and lived in the temporary primitive cabins that had been built prior to his arrival.

Erected by City of Hot Springs.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1807.

Location. 34° 31.079′ N, 93° 3.313′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. It can be reached from Central Avenue (Arkansas Route 7) south of Whittington Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the sidewalk next to a streetlamp post. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 128 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park AR 71901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically,

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it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hot Springs' Resort Beginnings (a few steps from this marker); 126 (a few steps from this marker); 122 (within shouting distance of this marker); 101 Central Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Whittington Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs' First Bathhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); “An Open Log Cabin and a Few Huts” (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Founding Convention Assemblies of God April 2-12, 1914 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hot Springs.

Regarding Hot Springs' First White Settler. Excerpt from an Oct. 23, 2010 address to the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches by Kathy Prudhomme Guin, a great, great, great, great granddaughter of Jean Pierre Emmanuel Prudhomme (1762-1845):

In the early 1800’s many inhabitants
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022

2. Hot Springs' First White Settler Marker
had developed close relationships with the native Indians. Emmanuel had an undiagnosed ailment that caused him considerable pain. It was perhaps arthritis. The Natchitoches Indians, who were friendly with Emmanuel told him of a place of “healing waters” and offered to take him there. In 1807, Emmanuel accepted their offer and with a servant and necessary provisions, headed for the springs now known as Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was one of the first white men ever to visit these ‘healing waters’. He built a modest home there and visited frequently for a few years.

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 528 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.