Near Edmonton in Metcalfe County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Discovery of Sulphur Well
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Beula Villa Hotel
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 31, 2016
1. Discovery of Sulphur Well / Beula Villa Hotel Marker
(Side One)
Discovery of Sulphur Well
This artesian well was discovered in 1845 by Ezekial Neal, who was drilling for salt water. When he reached 180 ft. depth, pressure shot water, auger, and shafting over top of large sycamore tree. Besides salt, water contained sulphur, magnesium, and iron; used by many for its medicinal value. Constant water supply not affected by cold, heat, rain, or drought.
(Side Two)
Beula Villa Hotel
Built 1903 by Catlett W. Thompson, across from sulphur well. Two main buildings with guest rooms were note for spacious, wide verandas. A swinging bridge was erected from main veranda to the well. Next owner was King C. Crenshaw. Business thrived until 1960, when Crenshaws health failed. After 65 years of serving the community, this popular hotel closed in 1968.
Erected 1991 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1895.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.
Location. 37° 6.056′ N, 85° 38.042′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Pennyroyal Region. 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 and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ed Porter Thompson (approx. 4.3 miles away); Savoyard (approx. 6 miles away); Robert Stockton (approx. 7.6 miles away); Civil War Skirmish (approx. 7.8 miles away); Rev. Robert Stockton (approx. 7.8 miles away); Partisan Protected (approx. 8.3 miles away); Founder of Edmonton (approx. 8½ miles away); William Henry Newman (approx. 8½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edmonton.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Joseph A. Altsheler (was approx. 7.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 31, 2016
2. Discovery of Sulphur Well / Beula Villa Hotel Marker
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 31, 2016
3. Marker in Sulphur Well Park
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 31, 2016
4. Sulphur Well Park as Seen from Highway 70
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, June 8, 2025
5. Discovery of Sulphur Well / Beula Villa Hotel Marker
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, June 8, 2025
6. Discovery of Sulphur Well / Beula Villa Hotel Marker
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, June 8, 2025
7. Discovery of Sulphur Well / Beula Villa Hotel Marker
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, June 22, 2025
8. Discovery of Sulphur Well / Beula Villa Hotel Marker
This is a concrete sulfur well water fountain that is at the base of the Hill right beside the Stream that passes the sulfur well area
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, June 22, 2025
9. Discovery of Sulphur Well / Beula Villa Hotel Marker
Well water warning
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,950 times since then and 146 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 19, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 8, 2025, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. 8, 9. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California.
