Many small towns once existed in the area now covered by Lake Ouachita. Settlers first came to the upper Ouachita River valley in the decades prior to the Civil War to establish homes, farms and businesses, creating communities such as Cedar Glades . . . — — Map (db m108929) HM
Today's Arlington Lawn gets its name from the fact that the first two versions of the luxury hotel you see across Fountain Street to the north were located here on government property. The first, a 150-room wooden structure completed in 1875, was . . . — — Map (db m211040) HM
A 15-man party, dispatched by President Thomas Jefferson to investigate the Ouachita River area, arrived at the hot springs in December of 1804 and found “… an open log cabin and a few huts of split boards, all calculated for summer encampment.” — — Map (db m211119) HM
On May 13, 1989, the Fordyce
Bathhouse reopened as Hot
Springs National Park Visitor
Center. In honor of this
event, 1200 volunteers, the
Friends of the Fordyce, the
Sentinel-Record and other
businesses created a four-day
celebration called . . . — — Map (db m211167) HM
Hot Springs was truly
“The American Spa” during the 1920s,
1930s and early 1940s. The popular
slogan “We Bathe the World” was
indeed, appropriate. The bathing
industry reached its peak in 1946,
giving over one million baths. — — Map (db m211195) HM
Constructed 1891 in as dry goods and grocery store until 1915. Utah Apts above and restaurant below. Became the Apple Apts and Dixie Coffee Shop in 1840's. Recently was Magnolia Gift and Night Train Lounge. Remodeled apartments 1992.
Wheatley . . . — — Map (db m102704) HM
Constructed in 1891 as a clothing store by Simon Meyer, one of the most successful merchants in the late 1890's. In 1923 Rosa Meyer opened a dry goods store and later the Walkowitz General Store. Most recently the Oyster Bar restaurant.
Wheatly . . . — — Map (db m102708) HM
Constructed in 1926 the Howe Hotel was significant in the late 1920's. Roof garden on 8th floor while the 2nd floor housed a bath house. Served as an important redistribution center for troops in World War II.
Wheatly Property — — Map (db m142952) HM
Constructed in 1904 as one of
the first office buildings
built to house the growing demand
for doctors offices and drug
stores. Remodeled as Wheatley
Hotel in mid 1950's. Bowling
alley in basement. — — Map (db m211128) HM
Setting plays a significant role in the Hot Springs spa experience. The magnolia-lined avenue and landscaped lawns of the bathhouses create a pastoral atmosphere in the midst of the city. Just a few steps behind Bathhouse Row the Grand Promenade . . . — — Map (db m211041) HM
When illness threatened to end his Hall of Fame career prematurely in 1928, Al Simmons came to Hot Springs to take the baths and hike in the mountain trails. The visit worked wonders, and, encouraged by legendary Athletics' manager Connie Mack, . . . — — Map (db m167399) HM
In 1928 Senator Joe T. Robinson was
the Democratic party's candidate
for vice-president. He was
formerly (sic) notified at the
Arlington Hotel that he had been
chosen as Al Smith's running mate.
A huge crowd assembled downtown
to hear . . . — — Map (db m211196) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m61775) HM
The Arkansas Blarney Stone, a 7,000 pound chunk of Arkansas sandstone, was a gift to Hot Springs from Butch Bennett of Bennett Brothers Stone Company. Butch's story of how he discovered the stone is the most fascinating part...
While wandering . . . — — Map (db m204351) HM
Ruth trained here nine times and became a very familiar face around Hot Springs. He hiked the mountains, took the baths, played golf, patronized the casinos, and visited the racetrack.
On March 17, 1918 (St. Patrick's Day), he launched a . . . — — Map (db m102588) HM
A towering shot traveled from home plate at Whittington Park into the second alligator pond at the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo. The distance was 573 feet. — — Map (db m116082) HM
The Boston Red Sox was one
of several Major League Baseball
teams who held spring practice in
Hot Springs. The city also had its
own professional team, the
Hot Springs Bathers. — — Map (db m211199) HM
The buildings along Bathhouse Row are the latest stage in a succession of bathhouses. In the 1830s Hot Springs’ earliest facilities were makeshift shelters perched over individual springs. Later, elaborate Victorian bathhouses flourished along . . . — — Map (db m61774) HM
A stroll along Bathhouse Row evokes the Golden Age of Bathing, when “taking the waters” was a fashionable form of recreation. The present structures date from 1911 to 1939. Though the same waters were piped to all the bathhouses, the owners competed . . . — — Map (db m211036) HM
The health benefits of “taking the baths” were
a primary reason for baseball coming to Hot
Springs. The players tended to drink heavily,
and believed the hot bath regimen could “boil
out” the impurities in their system.
The Buckstaff, still . . . — — Map (db m211193) HM
Discovered while playing in Hot Springs, Arkansan Bill Dickey joined the New York Yankees in 1928. Batting .313 and slugging 202 home runs during his Hall of Fame career, he was best known for his rocket arm, fierce competitiveness, and cerebral . . . — — Map (db m116080) HM
Many baseball historians regard Ewing as the greatest all-around 19th century player. He came to the Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs in 1892, seeking medical advice for his sore throwing arm. On March 19th, after successful treatment, he hit a . . . — — Map (db m102685) HM
From its opening the handsome Buckstaff Bathhouse aggressively promoted its image. To gain customers the owners mounted a huge sign on the roof to attract people from the large hotels a block away. Other bathhouses lost character as they modernized, . . . — — Map (db m61793) HM
From 1832 to 1877, the Hot
Springs Reservation was under
federal ownership, but there was
no local supervision of the land
or the thermal waters. During
that period, several private
citizens attempted to gain title
to the springs, including . . . — — Map (db m211136) HM
After crossing the lower slopes of Hot Springs Mountain, this "red" trail connects with Gulpha Gorge Trail on a ridge above Gulpha Gorge Campground. The Short Cut Trail leads to the summit.
Historic Exercise Trail
For the next 0.2 mile . . . — — Map (db m145671) HM
This valley, long known by the Indians as "Tah-Ne-Co,"
"The Place of the Hot Waters" and according to
tradition regarded by the different tribes
as neutral ground, was first visited by white men
on September 16, 1541, when Hernando De Soto . . . — — Map (db m170754) HM
Jay and Paul Dean, born in Arkansas,
became the most famous brother duo in
baseball history. As pitchers for the St.
Louis Cardinals in 1934, they won a
combined 49 games to lead the Cards to
victory in the World Series. From 1932-1937, the . . . — — Map (db m170416) HM
Near this spot around the year 1790 stood the first hotel and bath house built in the Hot Springs Territory. To mark the site of the first permanent citizen, the host of this tavern, JOHN PERCIFUL, reputed to have been a revolutionary soldier. This . . . — — Map (db m102954) HM
This field, also known as Fordyce Field, was constructed in 1912 by the Hot Springs Park Company to meet the demand of over 250 major leaguers training in Hot Springs. Philadelphia Phillies’ owner, Horace Fogel, leased the field for his team. The . . . — — Map (db m189752) HM
Inspired by the spas of Europe, Colonel Samuel Fordyce opened this Renaissance Revival bathhouse in 1915. With its copper-framed glass marquee and elegant window design, the Fordyce reflects a crowning achievement of the Golden Age of Bathing.
Its . . . — — Map (db m61771) HM
The present Hale Bathhouse was built in 1892, but drastically altered in 1914 and 1939. Its brick was covered with stucco and a red tiled roof installed so the building would harmonize better with the other buildings of Bathhouse Row. Although the . . . — — Map (db m211029) HM
At this field on October 1, 1952, 18-year
old Hank Aaron and the Indianapolis Clowns
played in one of 12 games of the Negro
League World Series against the Birmingham
Black Barons. During this series, Aaron
batted .402 and slugged five home . . . — — Map (db m200757) HM
Other than the hot baths, hiking the mountain trails was the biggest reason for baseball players to train in Hot Springs. Much of the legendary stamina of pitching legends Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Babe Ruth, and Lefty Grove was forged by hiking the . . . — — Map (db m190715) HM
Spas thrive on pleasant diversions. In contrast to sedate Bathhouse Row, Happy Hollow developed a a free-wheeling carnival atmosphere.
At the turn of the century, Norman Mcleod opened an amusement park in the vicinity of this cold spring and . . . — — Map (db m145652) HM
Front of Obelisk
Born in Boston, Mass., came to Arkansas in 1826 to be printer for the Arkansas Gazette. In 1882 he moved to Hot Springs and in a two room log cabin established a general store, post office and lending library. He served as . . . — — Map (db m116351) HM
Presented by Arkansas Col. John Washington Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames, XVII Century, honoring War Veterans, Early Pioneers, 1998 — — Map (db m61770) HM WM
No player left a bigger legacy in Hot Springs
than "the Flying Dutchman.” He enjoyed the baths
and all the activities Hot Springs had to offer,
he also participated in civic functions and coached the high school basketball team.
Honus played in . . . — — Map (db m130003) HM
Horse racing had its origins
in the early history of Hot
Springs. Farm boys brought their
horses into the small settlement
to race them prior to the Civil
War. Formal racing began in the
1890s. The Essex and Oaklawn
tracks began operations in . . . — — Map (db m211177) HM
Gambling flourished in Hot
Springs for decades prior to 1967.
During this time, one of the most
popular establishments for
gambling activity was the
Southern Club, formerly located
at 250 Central Avenue. — — Map (db m211121) HM
After 1877 when the title to the springs was finally vested in the federal government by the Supreme Court, Congress began to take an active interest in the Hot Springs Reservation. In 1921 the Reservation officially became Hot Springs National Park. — — Map (db m103164) HM
Hot Springs experienced a
building boom during the 1870s
and 1880s. By the time of the
formation of Garland County in
1873, the town had 24 commercial
hotels and boarding houses with
a capacity of 1,500 to 2,000
visitors per day. — — Map (db m211140) HM
Although the original clubhouse was replaced
long ago, the golf course is essentially the
same as when it was founded in 1898. Dozens
of Baseball Hall of Fame members have played
these links, including such icons as Honus
Wagner and Walter . . . — — Map (db m200740) HM
Asa Thompson's bathhouse, built
in 1830, is credited with being
the spa's first public bathhouse.
At that time, almost all visitors
came in the summer. The open
baths, open log cabins and
sweathouses made warm weather
the only practical time . . . — — Map (db m211094) HM
The first White man to settle
near the hot springs was
Emmanuel Prudhomme of
Louisiana, who came in 1807
for reasons of his health. He
bathed in the springs and lived
in the temporary primitive
cabins that had been built
prior to his arrival. — — Map (db m211097) HM
Major floods have occurred
periodically in downtown Hot
Springs. The Flood of 1923 was
the most severe. Torrents of water
swept huge sheets of asphalt off
Central Avenue. The water also
shattered storefronts and carried
automobiles as if they . . . — — Map (db m211179) HM
Hot Springs' population reached
201 by 1860. At this time, there
were two hotels and a number
of smaller boarding houses that
took care of visitors. There were
seven bathhouses and some
smaller pavilions on the east
side of Hot Springs Creek. — — Map (db m211087) HM
This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. Department of Arkansas Heritage. — — Map (db m130032) HM
Major fires have raged through Hot
Springs on three occasions. The fire
of 1878 destroyed almost 100 buildings,
including the major portion of the
business district. The fire of 1905
destroyed 25 blocks of the city's
southern section. The 1913 . . . — — Map (db m211170) HM
Following the Civil War, the
number of visitors to the springs
increased each year. By the early
1870s Hot Springs had gained
widespread popularity across the
nation as a famous health resort. — — Map (db m211135) HM
The railroad reached Malvern in
1870, and the narrow-gauge
Diamond Jo Line from there to
Hot Springs was completed in
1875. The track was changed to
standard gauge in 1889. This, in
effect, brought intercontinental
service to the city. — — Map (db m211166) HM
The original tracks of the
Hot Springs Railway Company
covered almost two miles, and its
operations began in 1875 with two
cars. This was the oldest
continuously operating streetcar
system in Arkansas. By 1893
electrically operated . . . — — Map (db m211154) HM
In 1832 Congress passed a bill reserving four sections of land with the springs in the middle for future use by the United States government. This act supposedly eliminated the possibility of private ownership of land within a mile of the springs. — — Map (db m211046) HM
The arrival of Josiah and
Nancy Mellard in 1820 marked
the beginning of the development
of the village of Hot Springs
into a resort. They built a
double log cabin and operated
their quarters as a hotel. — — Map (db m211117) HM
Street numbers were assigned to
locations along Central Avenue
for the first time in 1878. In
the same year, gaslights
illuminated city streets, and
electric street lights followed
in 1882. The first long-distance
telephone service . . . — — Map (db m211165) HM
Hot Springs was originally
incorporated as a town prior to
the Civil War. It was again
incorporated in 1876, raised to
a city of the second class in
1876 and to a city of the first
class in 1879 when its population
surpassed 5,000. By 1910 it . . . — — Map (db m211168) HM
Hot Spring's reputation as a health and recreation resort attracting the rich and famous was certainly true in the late 1800's and well into the 20th century. The city had fine hotels, lively nightclubs, a beautiful mountain setting, and the famous . . . — — Map (db m102952) HM
Hot Springs' reputation as a health and recreation resort attracting the rich and famous was certainly true in the late 1800's and well into the 20th century. The city had fine hotels, lively nightclubs, a beautiful mountain setting, and the famous . . . — — Map (db m190718) HM
One of the most important events in
Hot Springs history occurred where
you are standing. On October 22,
1953, the legendary Jackie Robinson
played an exhibition game here at
Jaycee Field with Gill Hodges, Luke
Easter and other fellow big . . . — — Map (db m200747) HM
You are facing the only statue of Kenji Miyazawa outside of Japan. We are grateful to the Miyazawa family for permission to erect it here. It is our hope that you will appreciate his body of work, including the message contained in this poem, and . . . — — Map (db m130033) HM
The present masonry Lamar Bathhouse, completed in 1923, has a symmetrical, California style of architecture. The large lobby contains nostalgic murals of historic landscapes, and country scenes.
Art Deco stairs, signs, and lights decorated the . . . — — Map (db m61777) HM
The first Lamar opened in 1888, the final year that Georgia-born Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar (1825-1891) — a former Confederate officer, overseas ambassador for the Confederacy, and U.S. Representative and Senator for Mississippi — served as . . . — — Map (db m211200) HM
From humble beginnings in Maryland's coal region, Robert "Lefty" Grove became baseball's greatest left-handed pitcher. Using his blazing fastball and fiery temperament, he won 300 Major League games (31 in 1931) and 108 International League games. . . . — — Map (db m167367) HM
Built in 1909 as the Boston Red Sox training
center, this field was also used by the
Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers. In
March 1918, during batting practice, Babe
Ruth hit many home runs over the distant
center field fence, predicting his . . . — — Map (db m200745) HM
In 1911 the Maurice Bathhouse Company replaced an elegant but wooden Victorian building with the bathhouse you see today. The Mediterranean style masonry structure set the standard for all other bathhouses on Bathhouse Row.
The building is awash . . . — — Map (db m211012) HM
Construction projects undertaken during the 1920s and 1930s produced Hot Springs' most imposing structures. One of these, the completion of the Medical Arts Building, gave Hot Springs the distinction of having Arkansas' tallest building for several . . . — — Map (db m211053) HM
This Hall of Fame outfielder, tutored by "Mugsy" McGraw, played his entire career with the New York Giants, hitting 511 home runs. On his thirtieth birthday, March 2, 1939, in an intra-squad game here at Whittington Park, "Master Melvin" belted . . . — — Map (db m102764) HM
Built in 1923 as the Woodmen of the Union Building, this hotel, bathhouse, and performance venue quickly became the center of African American culture in Hots Springs. It housed virtually every great Negro League player and entertainer who visited . . . — — Map (db m145649) HM
Notable individuals from all walks of life
have come to Hot Springs for their health
and entertainment. Among them were
Andrew Carnegie, Jack Dempsey, Sam Houston,
Helen Keller, Huey Long, Bat Masterson,
Carrie Nation, Babe Ruth, William . . . — — Map (db m211198) HM
Many of baseball's greatest players were
fond of thoroughbred racing. Established in
1904, Oaklawn became a favorite destination
for such baseball legends as John McGraw
and Rogers Hornsby, who were particularly
fond of "betting on the ponies." . . . — — Map (db m200738) HM
Most Major League players of the early 20th century had few inhibitions and many enjoyed gambling during training trips to Hot Springs. Among the most popular casinos in the city were the Southern Club, built a few doors to the right in 1893, and . . . — — Map (db m102678) HM
The mission style of the Ozark Bathhouse may relate to the claim that Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto visited the hot springs. The building’s twin towers are strictly decorative. On Bathhouse Row, the Quapaw, the Fordyce, and Hale Bathhouses, . . . — — Map (db m61794) HM
The Peak Trail is a short, moderately steep route up Hot Springs Mountain.
The summit has been a traditional site for observation towers. Unlike the 216-foot-high steel structure of today, the earliest wooden tower of the 1870s barely . . . — — Map (db m145684) HM
The Caddo, Quapaw, and Choctaw tribes lived in or visited the area during the 1700s and 1800s. This edifice pays homage to their lasting influence. The owners named the bathhouse for the Quapaw Indians, and incorporated an Indian head design over . . . — — Map (db m61795) HM
This spring remained open long after others were enclosed and diverted to bathhouses. It was common for the water of each hot spring to have a reputation for curing particular ailments, and the shallow water in this pool led naturally to foot . . . — — Map (db m145651) HM
At the conclusion of his historic Hall of
Fame career, Rogers "The Rajah" Hornsby
returned to Hot Springs to oversee the
nationally recognized baseball school.
Founded here in 1933 by Ray Doan, the
school prospered for years, training . . . — — Map (db m200756) HM
More than 300 persons met in the Grand Opera House, 200 Central Avenue, and formed
The General Council of the Assemblies of God. From this beginning the Assemblies of God
has grown to more than 66 million adherents in 252 countries, territories . . . — — Map (db m102765) HM
Site of
The State Capitol of Arkansas
July 2-14-1862
When Federal troops
advanced on Little Rock,
Governor Henry Massie Rector
moved his staff and records here.
Erected by the Garland County Association
of the
Arkansas . . . — — Map (db m122573) HM
On July 5, 1864, a battalion of the 4th Arkansas Cavalry (U.S.) left Little Rock on a scouting mission toward Caddo Gap. They fought small bands of Confederate soldiers each day before arriving at Farr’s Mill, where Gulpha Creek hits the Ouachita . . . — — Map (db m170440) HM
After training in Hot Springs in 1912, twenty-two-year-old Smoky Joe Wood compiled a 34-5 record and led the Boston Red Sox to a victory in the World Series. On March 28, 1913, Smoky pitched five scoreless innings at Whittington Park versus the . . . — — Map (db m102574) HM
Legendary Hall of Fame Slugger Stan Musial often visited Hot Springs to prepare for one of his twenty-two stellar seasons in major league baseball. Stan would come with his St. Louis Cardinal teammates and owner August Busch to take the baths, and . . . — — Map (db m116048) HM
Early in 1862 Governor Henry
Rector feared that Federal
troops were planning an attempt
to seize Little Rock and decided
to move the capitol of the state
to Hot Springs. The movement of
the government to Hot Springs
was the highlight of the . . . — — Map (db m211077) HM
Compared to its elaborate neighbors, the Superior Bathhouse has a modest appearance. Its owners emphasized a therapeutic program and interior rooms where marble and brass fostered a hygienic environment. Known for “superior” service to patrons, it . . . — — Map (db m211033) HM
The temporary state capitol was set up in 1862 in a two-story home on the site of the park opposite the Arlington Hotel. Some state records were stored in a log kitchen which was separate from the house. The kitchen was later moved and sat adjacent . . . — — Map (db m211072) HM
The old Arlington Hotel, located across the
street on the Arlington Lawn, was the site of
the infamous arrest of New York Giants manager
John “Mugsy” McGraw. Apprehended by a
U.S. Marshal for unlawful gambling when he
was caught pitching silver . . . — — Map (db m211044) HM
The Arlington Hotel, designed
for luxury accommodations,
opened April 1, 1875. The
wooden structure was three
stories tall with two huge wings
enclosing a large court. At the
time, the Arlington was the
largest hotel in Arkansas. — — Map (db m211144) HM
As you view the formal entrance to Hot Springs National Park today, several pieces of the original architectural design from the 1890s are no longer present. For example, a distinctive stone and wood pavilion called the Bandstand graced the top of . . . — — Map (db m145650) HM
Built in 1890, the elegant, 500-room
Eastman Hotel was a hub for the baseball
community in the early 20th century. Here
Babe Ruth flipped a coin to settle his 1921
salary dispute with the Yankees. In 1925,
Walter Johnson received a hero's . . . — — Map (db m211010) HM
Hot Springs had attained a
great deal of notoriety as a
gambling town by the early 1880s.
In 1884 a dispute between the
operators of gambling
establishments ended in a
shootout near here. This shootout,
known as the Flynn-Doran
Battle, left . . . — — Map (db m211188) HM
Constructed in 1902 and expanded in 1926, the Majestic was a favorite destination for several Major League teams including the renowned Boston Red Sox. The Sox trained at Majestic Field on the south end of town. As part of their training they hiked . . . — — Map (db m211201) HM
President and Mrs. Franklin D.
Roosevelt attended Hot Springs'
celebration of the Arkansas
centennial in 1936. Their visit
brought to the city the largest
crowd ever to assemble in Hot
Springs. This was the first time
the spa entertained a . . . — — Map (db m211197) HM
The Tufa Terrace Trail passes historic Ral Spring and follows a fairly level path across the hillside before rejoining the Grand Promenade. From there you can stroll the Grand Promenade or descend past the Thermal Cascade to Arlington Lawn. . . . — — Map (db m145670) HM
On March 12, 1927 U.S. Park Ranger James Alexander Cary was killed by bootleggers while patrolling on West Mountain in Hot Springs National Park.
Cary was the first National Park Service Ranger to be murdered in the line of duty.
His service . . . — — Map (db m211011) HM
More baseball was played in the ballpark on this corner than anywhere else in Hot Springs. Built in 1894 and used until 1942. Whittington Park, later named Ben Johnson Field, was the epicenter of baseball in Hot Springs. A partial list of those who . . . — — Map (db m102604) HM
Norman Evans McLeod was born in Georgia in 1853 and took an interest in photography
as a teenager. After college he wandered the country, finally settling in Hot Springs in
1888. He originally created McLeod's Happy Hollow Studio near Happy . . . — — Map (db m220364) HM
