Hot Springs National Park

Images of America: Arkansas

by Mary Bell Hill

Hot Springs was one of the first areas set aside as a federal land reservation in 1832—predating the first national park at Yellowstone by 40 years. In 1921, it was officially designated a national park. Physically the smallest of the 59 US national parks today, Hot Springs measures just larger than 5,500 acres. Its 47 on-site springs produce more than 700,000 gallons of thermal water per day. From early natives who quarried novaculite found in the surrounding hills to famous politicians, performers, and athletes, people have been coming to these springs for thousands of years to partake in the supposed healing powers of the water. Pres. Franklin Roosevelt, boxer Jack Dempsey, and French opera diva Lily Pons are a few of the visitors who made the trek to the “Valley of the Vapors.” The history of Hot Springs National Park revolves around peoples’ interactions with its thermal water.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2014

Reviews

[Anadarko52 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great old photos

Hot Springs is a great place to visit. When there, one can see and feel the history of the place. I was glad to read this historical account and see the wonderful old photos.

[Adelina Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are traveling to Hot Springs soon, and this book made the history of the area come alive! The old photos are really interesting to see. I wish there was more information about the park itself, namely the hiking trails.

[Debbie Papner · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting book I was amazed how early some of the dates were on the bath houses.