Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Hot Springs' Major Fires
— Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District —
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022
1. Hot Springs' Major Fires Marker
Major fires have raged through Hot Springs on three occasions. The fire of 1878 destroyed almost 100 buildings, including the major portion of the business district. The fire of 1905 destroyed 25 blocks of the city's southern section. The 1913 fire blazed through almost 60 blocks, making it Arkansas' most disastrous fire.
Erected by City of Hot Springs.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 34° 30.803′ N, 93° 3.241′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. Marker can be reached from Central Avenue (Arkansas Route 7) south of Mountain Street, 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: 410 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. Horse Racing in Hot Springs (a few steps from this marker); Hot Springs, Incorporated (within shouting distance of this marker); Quapaw Bathhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); “Rebirth of the American Spa” (within shouting distance of this marker); Fordyce Bathhouse (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Hot Springs Fire of 1905. The blaze destroyed nearly 400 buildings and caused $2 million in damage. (Christopher Thrasher, Encyclopedia of Arkansas) (Submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Hot Springs Fire of 1913. The Hot Springs Fire of 1913 was one of the most destructive in Arkansas history. It caused $10 million in damage, destroyed twenty acres of Hot Springs, and left more than 2,500 people homeless. (with photo gallery) (Christopher Thrasher, Encyclopedia of Arkansas) (Submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022
2. Hot Springs' Major Fires Marker
via National Park Service (Public Domain), 1878
3. The 1878 Fire
Several men stand amidst the charred ruins of Hot Springs. Despite the damage, many considered the blaze somewhat of a blessing since it cleared the way for much-improved new construction.
via Garland County Historical Society (Public Domain)
4. The 1905 Fire
The February 25, 1905 blaze broke out at the Grand Central Hotel. The cause was never determined.
via Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, Central Arkansas Library System, September 5, 1913
5. The 1913 Fire
The blaze consumes buildings along Central Avenue, the city's main business district.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 110 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
