Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

An American Spa

Hot Springs National Park

Photographed By Don Morfe, July 9, 2010

1. An American Spa Marker

Inscription. Bathhouse Row is the historic heart of an American spa. Since the 1830s the city of Hot Springs has channeled much of its energy into becoming a national health resort. The Federal Government made “taking the waters” available to all by providing baths and health services to veterans and the poor, and the National Park landscaped many of the exercise paths that were considered essential to good health.

Some of the bathhouses have closed—locally, demand for the medicinal baths peaked in 1946—but you can still discover the spa experience. Traditional bathing remains available at the Buckstaff Bathhouse and some nearby hotels. Like earlier visitors, you can stroll the beautiful brick Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row or hike mountain trails throughout the National Park.

Captions:
(Above) Hot Springs in 1875, from a postcard.
(Right) Hot Springs Creek in 1883, before it was covered over.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 34° 30.696′ N, 93° 3.222′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. Marker is at the intersection of Reserve Street and Central Avenue on Reserve Street. The marker is located on the grounds of the Hot Springs

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National Park Headquarters. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Lamar Bathhouse (a few steps from this marker); U.S. Park Ranger James Alexander Cary (a few steps from this marker); Bathhouse Row (within shouting distance of this marker); The Roosevelts in Hot Springs (within shouting distance of this marker); Notable Hot Springs Visitors (within shouting distance of this marker); The Eastman Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Buckstaff Bathhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Alerted at the Arlington (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hot Springs.

Courtesy of Thomas P. Martin, May 1, 2014

2. An American Spa Marker

This marker is on the right.

Hot Springs National Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, July 9, 2010

3. Hot Springs National Park

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 632 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 12, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on September 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on December 12, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.