Near Thermopolis in Hot Springs County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
The Plaza Hotel
By Barry Swackhamer, June 4, 2016
1. The Plaza Hotel Marker
Captions: (bottom left) Big Springs, early 1900s.; (bottom right) The Plaza Hotel and Apartments, "A Home Away From Home"; (upper right) The Plaza Hotel and Apartments, Thermopolis, Wyo, Home of World's Largest Mineral Hot Springs, "A Home Away From Home".
The town of Thermopolis sprang to life as travelers journeyed to its hot mineral springs. The Plaza Hotel, originally known as the Callaghan Apartments, was on of six hotels built in the park in the early 1900s. The beautiful two-story structure provided lodging for people seeking access to the healing waters of the Big Spring. It originally housed 70 rooms, divided into fourteen sections, each hall containing a common bathing room. James Callaghan, a master bricklayer, built kilns along the banks of the Big Horn River for firing bricks used in constructing the hotel. Mr. Callaghan and his wife Hazel operated the hotel for a short time after its completion in 1918. Dr. P.W. Metz purchased the Callaghan Apartments in 1921 and renamed it the Plaza Hotel and Apartments.
The Plaza Hotel is the only remaining hotel in Hot Springs State Park from the era of early commercialization. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 and renovated in 1999.
Healing the Sick
In 1886, James McLaughlin, United States Indian Inspector, reported to the Department of the Interior his findings and opinions
By Barry Swackhamer, June 4, 2016
2. The Plaza Hotel and Marker
"The water of this spring is said to possess wonderful curative properties and to be very beneficial for rheumatic and other ailments, and although the temperature is 132 degrees it is not unpleasant to drink, and with salt and pepper added tastes very much like fresh chicken broth."
Word of the water's healing power spread and people poured into this area in search of relief from their pains.
Erected by Plaza Hotel.
Location. 43° 39.036′ N, 108° 12.036′ W. Marker is near Thermopolis, Wyoming, in Hot Springs County. Marker is on East Park Street near Pioneer Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 East Park Street, Thermopolis WY 82443, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bah Guewana (within shouting distance of this marker); Walter Manly Haynes (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tepee Fountain (about 500 feet away); Some Like It Hot! (approx. 0.3 miles away); 1916 Swinging Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ancient Red Rocks (approx. 0.4 miles away); Geology of Hot Springs (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hot Springs State Park (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thermopolis.
More about this marker. The Plaza Hotel is located in Hot Springs State Park near Thermopiles, Wyoming.
Categories. • Notable Buildings •
By Barry Swackhamer, June 4, 2016
3. The Plaza Hotel
By Barry Swackhamer, June 4, 2016
4. The Plaza Hotel
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Renovation completed in 1999
More. Search the internet for The Plaza Hotel.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2016. This page originally submitted on September 13, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
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