Hot Springs, Arkansas is a small city located in the Ouachita Mountains in the central region of the state. It is known for its natural hot springs, which have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic properties. The city has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times and has been shaped by Native Americans, European explorers, and the American government.
The earliest known inhabitants of the Hot Springs area were Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw. These tribes believed that the hot springs had healing properties and used them for medicinal purposes. They also believed that the hot springs were sacred and believed that they were the dwelling place of the Great Spirit.
In the early 16th century, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto became the first European to visit the hot springs. He was followed by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe in 1721, who named the area “Les Petites Roche” (the little rocks) after the rock formations in the area. In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson sent a group of explorers, led by William Dunbar and George Hunter, to study the hot springs and map the area.
In 1832, President Andrew Jackson signed a bill that set aside the hot springs and the surrounding land as a federal reservation. This made Hot Springs the first area in the United States to be protected by the federal government. The reservation was later expanded and renamed Hot Springs National Park.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hot Springs became a popular destination for wealthy Americans seeking rest and relaxation. Many bathhouses and hotels were built around the hot springs, and the city became known as a health resort. The most famous of these bathhouses was the Fordyce Bathhouse, which was built in 1915 and is now a museum.
Hot Springs, Arkansas also played a significant role in Major League Baseball (MLB) history as a popular destination for spring training during the early 20th century. In fact, the city is considered to be the birthplace of spring training. In 1886, the Chicago White Stockings (now known as the Cubs) became the first professional baseball team to train in Hot Springs. Over the years, many other teams followed suit, including the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Giants.
Hot Springs was also a popular destination for organized crime figures during the Prohibition era. The city became known as a haven for illegal gambling, bootlegging, and other criminal activities. The most notorious of these criminals was Al Capone, who was known to frequent the city and even owned a home there.
Today, Hot Springs is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The city is home to many hot springs and bathhouses, as well as hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor activities. The historic downtown area is also home to many shops, restaurants, and galleries.
In conclusion, Hot Springs, Arkansas has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. From its earliest inhabitants to its role in organized crime, the city has been shaped by a variety of different influences. Today, it remains a popular destination for those seeking rest, relaxation, and a bit of history.