Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Hot Action in Hot Springs
— Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District —
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022
1. Hot Action in Hot Springs Marker
Gambling flourished in Hot Springs for decades prior to 1967. During this time, one of the most popular establishments for gambling activity was the Southern Club, formerly located at 250 Central Avenue.
Erected by City of Hot Springs.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1967.
Location. 34° 30.965′ N, 93° 3.213′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Central Avenue (Arkansas Route 7) and Fountain Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the sidewalk in front of Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 250 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. 260 (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs' Postwar Boom (within shouting distance of this marker); “A Modern and First Class Hotel” (within shouting distance of this marker); A Landscaped Resort (within shouting distance of this marker); 304 (within shouting distance of this marker); DeSoto Camp (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Regarding Hot Action in Hot Springs. Illegal gambling was so rampant in Hot Springs that local authorities taxed it rather than enforce state law prohibiting the activity. The party suddenly ended on Aug. 17, 1967, when state police chief Lynn A. Davis and state troopers – acting on orders of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller – began raiding clubs and seizing slot machines. The raids came five months after Rockefeller vetoed a bill that would have legalized gambling at four private clubs in Hot Springs. While Arkansas still prohibits casinos and gambling devices (as of late 2022), slot machines have returned to Hot Springs under a 2005 law that allows race tracks to offer some electronic, casino-style games.
Also see . . . Gangsters, Thugs, and Mafia in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Legends of America website entry:
Though visitors of Hot Springs, Arkansas today don’t see the gambling, prostitution, bootlegging, and gangsters that were once rampant in the spa city, these operations had a strong foothold for decades, especially in the 1930s. (Kathy Weiser-Alexander, Legends
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022
2. Hot Action in Hot Springs Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
