Eureka Springs in Carroll County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Magnetic Spring

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 22, 2023

1. Magnetic Spring Marker

Inscription. Any metal object placed in the spring water was widely claimed to become magnetized. It was also claimed that exclusive use of the water from Magnetic Spring would cure physical debility and aid in overcoming drug addiction. Drug addiction was prevalent in the late Victorian era due to widespread use of patent medicines containing alcohol and narcotics.

A large wooden pavilion was built over the original spring site, and was widely used by visitors. The Tourist Social Hour Club, a group concerned with the entertainment of tourists, met regularly at Magnetic Spring from 1885 to 1935.

Magnetic Spring was originally owned by General Powell Clayton and the Eureka Springs Improvement Company. General Clayton deeded the property to the City of Eureka Springs in 1911. At that time, workmen were hand-excavating thirty-eight feet into the side of the mountain to open the main stream of water. The picnic pavilion was left in. place, and a new wood and stone shelter was built over the spring. Local newspapers praised the new improvements saying, “Magnetic Spring has for years brought more people to Eureka Springs than any other one thing.”

Erected by The Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce • The Community Development Partnership.

Topics. This historical marker

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is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 36° 24.603′ N, 93° 43.834′ W. Marker is in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in Carroll County. It is on Magnetic Drive 0.2 miles east of North Main Street (Arkansas Route 23), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eureka Springs AR 72632, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Arkansas’ Ozark Plateau,

in the Cherokee Heritage Region,

and in Osage Territory.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Ozarks.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, 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: The Star of Gladness (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Town that Water Built (approx. 0.2 miles away); Few Things But Staples … (approx. ¼ mile away); Bridgeford House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Brownstone Inn (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Round House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Steam Locomotive (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Railroad Depot (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eureka Springs.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 22, 2023

2. Magnetic Spring Marker

Magnetic Spring image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 22, 2023

3. Magnetic Spring

Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 366 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.