Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Hot Springs' History is as Rich as its Natural Resources
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 14, 2024
1. Hot Springs' History is as Rich as its Natural Resources Marker
The landscape of Hot Springs has gone through many changes since the Native Americans were visiting the springs in the "Valley of the Vapors." From the Spanish and French settlers in the 1500s to the gangsters in the early 1900s, many buildings and landmarks have come and gone from the streets of the Spa City.
From this spot in the early 1900s, one could see a main thoroughfare of the city. The Ensign Fountain was the centerpiece of the junction of Malvern Avenue, Broadway Avenue and Benton Street (now Convention Boulevard). The Rock Island Railroad Depot was a hub of activity until it ended passenger service in 1951. The Great Northern Hotel stood on the northeast corner of Malvern and Benton from 1900 until a large fire destroyed it in 1946. The Hot Springs City Auditorium and City Hall stood behind the hotel, along with the Post Office. The Armour Meat Packing Company also stood on the southeast corner of Malvern and Benton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1951.
Location. 34° 30.537′ N, 93° 3.192′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. It is at the intersection
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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, 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 National Humane Alliance Fountain (a few steps from this marker); Spencer's Corner (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kenji Miyazawa (about 300 feet away); Old Post Office (about 300 feet away); In June 1919 (about 300 feet away); Arkansas Blarney Stone (about 300 feet away); The Malco Theatre (about 300 feet away); Bridge Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hot Springs.
Also see . . .
1. Hot Springs, Arkansas (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: The hot spring water has been popularly believed for centuries to possess healing properties and was a subject of legend among several Native American tribes. Following federal protection in 1832, the city developed into a successful spa town. Incorporated January 10, 1851, the city has been home to Major League Baseball spring training, illegal gambling, speakeasies and gangsters such as Al Capone, horse racing at Oaklawn Park, the Army and Navy Hospital, and 42nd President Bill Clinton.
circa 1930
2. Marker detail: Early Hot Springs
2. The Site of Infamy A Haven in the Gangster Era.
Excerpt: From the late-1800s through the mid-1900s, especially in the 1930s, Hot Springs was a popular hangout for Al Capone, Frank Costello, Bugs Moran, Lucky Luciano, and other infamous mobsters. The safe, secluded scenic location of Hot Springs made it the ideal hideout. As early as the mid- to late-1800s, Hot Springs had been involved in illegal gambling. Hotel rooms, saloons, and back alleys were the hotspots for cards and craps and casino-type gaming of all kinds. Hot Springs offered Las Vegas-style amenities before there was a Las Vegas. Gangster activity in Hot Springs came to an end in the 1960s, due to a federal crackdown on what the government called the site of the largest illegal gambling operation in the U.S.(Submitted on January 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 14, 2024
3. Hot Springs' History is as Rich as its Natural Resources Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 14, 2024
4. Hot Springs' History is as Rich as its Natural Resources Marker
Looking south across Convention Boulevard; Malvern Avenue is on the left. Regions Bank and the Ensign Fountain (Hot Springs Magic Fountain) are in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 437 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
