Hot Springs history

Ancient Roots and First Discovery

The history of Hot Springs began long before modern maps of the United States were drawn. For thousands of years, this territory was known to the indigenous peoples of the Americas as the "Valley of Vapours". The Quapaw and Caddo tribes considered the hot springs a sacred place of peace, where warring parties were obliged to lay down their weapons to partake in the healing power of the water.

The first European to set foot on these lands is believed to be the Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto in 1541. However, official development of the region began only after the Louisiana Purchase by the USA in 1803. By 1804, the Hunter and Dunbar expedition had explored the springs, sending a report to President Thomas Jefferson, which awakened nationwide interest in this unique natural phenomenon.

Key Development Factors

The development of Hot Springs was predetermined by its unique geology. Unlike many other cities that emerged as trading posts or military forts, Hot Springs was formed exclusively as a health resort. A crucial milestone in history was the decision of the US Congress in 1832 to declare this territory a federal reservation. This effectively created the country's first national park (even before Yellowstone), guaranteeing the protection of the springs and attracting government attention.

Factors contributing to the city's growth:

• Geography: Its location in the Ouachita Mountains provided not only access to thermal waters but also a mild climate, attractive to visitors year-round.
• Transport Accessibility: Initially difficult to reach, the opening of railway connections in the 1870s transformed the settlement into a popular tourist destination for residents of major metropolises.
• Government Support: The federal status of the land allowed for the control of service quality and the development of infrastructure at a high level.

Early Culture and Economy

The economy of early Hot Springs was built entirely around the hospitality and balneology industry. The city quickly grew a network of hotels and sanatoriums, the most famous of which became the celebrated Bathhouse Row. The architecture of these buildings, combining elements of Neoclassicism and Spanish Revival, formed the unique visual appearance of the city.

The cultural life of the city was inextricably linked with the leisure of the elite. Politicians, businessmen, and athletes came here to improve their health and spend time in high society. This created an atmosphere of resort luxury where, alongside treatments, entertainment flourished, which later, in the early 20th century, laid the foundation for transforming the city into one of the centres of social life in America.

Major Milestones in Hot Springs History

• 1541: Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto is presumably the first European to visit the hot springs area.
• 1803: The territory of present-day Arkansas comes under US possession as a result of the Louisiana Purchase from France.
• 1804: The Dunbar and Hunter expedition conducts the first scientific study of the waters and compiles a detailed description of the area.
• 1832: The US Congress grants the territory the status of a federal reservation, creating the first protected natural zone in the country.
• 1851: Hot Springs is officially incorporated and receives city status.
• 1875: The opening of the "Diamond Jo" railway line makes the resort easily accessible to tourists from all over the country.
• 1878: The Great Fire destroys a significant part of the wooden structures, leading to a massive reconstruction of the city in stone and brick.
• 1921: The Hot Springs Federal Reservation is officially transformed into a US National Park.
• 1920–1940s: The city becomes an unofficial capital of gaming and a popular vacation spot for celebrities and organized crime figures, such as Al Capone.
• 1967: State authorities finally close illegal casinos, reorienting the city towards family and health tourism.
• 1974: The famous Bathhouse Row receives the status of a National Historic Landmark.
• 1989: After extensive restoration, the historic Fordyce Bathhouse opens, becoming the park's main visitor centre.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The evolution of Hot Springs is the story of a wild natural zone transforming into a fashionable world-class resort, surviving the rise of illicit gaming businesses and successful revitalization. Below are the key moments that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city.

• Federal Mandate (1832)

  The assignment of federal reservation status became a city-forming factor. Unlike ordinary cities where the centre formed around markets or administrative buildings, the layout of Hot Springs developed linearly along the hot springs. This decision cemented the priority of health infrastructure over industrial development and defined the resort specialization of the economy for centuries to come.

• Railway Revolution (1875)

  The launch of the "Diamond Jo" narrow-gauge railway radically changed the demographics of tourists. Whereas previously only the most enduring travellers could reach the resort, the train opened the city to the middle class and mass tourism. This led to a construction boom, the appearance of large hotels, and the transformation of a local infirmary into a national resort.

• Architectural Transformation (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

  A series of devastating fires (especially in 1878, 1905, and 1913) forced city authorities to change building codes. Wooden structures were replaced by majestic buildings of brick, stone, and concrete in Neoclassical and Spanish Revival styles. It was during this period that the monumental look of the famous Bathhouse Row, which tourists see today, was formed.

• The "Open City" Era (1920–1940s)

  During this period, Hot Springs became a unique cultural phenomenon where legitimate balneological business coexisted with a thriving illegal gaming industry. The city attracted gangsters (including Al Capone), jazz stars, and Hollywood actors. This stage brought the city immense shadow revenues, the development of nightlife, and the creation of high-level entertainment infrastructure extending beyond simple medical treatments.

• Elimination of the Gaming Business (1960s)

  Strict measures by Governor Winthrop Rockefeller to close casinos led to an immediate economic downturn. The city lost a significant portion of its income and tourist flow. This became a turning point, forcing Hot Springs to seek a new identity and reorient itself towards family holidays, art, and historical tourism.

• Adaptive Heritage Use (1980s – Present)

  With the decline of traditional hydrotherapy, many historic bathhouses closed. However, the city's new development strategy focused on preserving history. The restoration of Bathhouse Row and the conversion of former bathhouses into museums, dining venues, and spa centres allowed the city to monetize its architectural heritage, making it a main attraction point for modern travellers.

Urban Development and Architectural Appearance

The architectural landscape of Hot Springs was shaped by its unique geographical location and dramatic past events. The city stretches along a narrow valley between Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain, following the natural outlet of thermal waters. Early wooden developments virtually disappeared as a result of devastating fires, particularly the "Great Fire" of 1878 and the fire of 1913. These catastrophes became the catalyst for a shift to monumental construction using brick, stone, and concrete, which gave the city centre its current solid and solemn appearance.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

The appearance of Hot Springs is an encyclopaedia of American architecture from the late 19th to the first half of the 20th century, where each style reflects a specific stage of the resort's development.

• American Renaissance and Neoclassicism (1900–1920s)

  The "Golden Age" of the resort coincided with the popularity of styles referencing ancient and European heritage. Architects sought to give the bathhouses the appearance of palaces of health, inspiring confidence and tranquillity. During this period, the most majestic buildings were constructed, utilizing symmetry, columns, and decorative moulding.

• Spanish Colonial Revival (1910–1930s)

  This style, popular in the southern states, was ideally suited for creating an atmosphere of relaxed leisure. It is characterized by stucco walls in warm tones, red tiled roofs, arched windows, and internal courtyards with fountains.

• Art Deco (1920–1940s)

  In the era of jazz and the rise of illicit casinos, the city reached for the sky. Art Deco buildings, with their geometric shapes, vertical lines, and stylized bas-reliefs, symbolized the progress and modernity of that time.

Iconic Buildings that Shaped the City

The city's main street, Central Avenue, represents a unique architectural ensemble where the main attractions are concentrated.

• Bathhouse Row

  The heart of the city and the National Park. Standing out here are:

  • Fordyce Bathhouse: A masterpiece in the Renaissance style. The building is adorned with stained glass, marble, and ceramic tiles, demonstrating the luxury of the Edwardian era.
  • Quapaw Bathhouse: A striking example of Spanish Colonial style with a massive dome covered in multi-coloured tiles, which has become one of the symbols of the city.
  • Buckstaff Bathhouse: A strict Neoclassical building with Doric columns, the only one that has operated continuously for its intended purpose since opening.
• Arlington Hotel

  The dominant feature of the northern part of the city. The current building (the third in succession) is executed in the Mediterranean Revival style. Its massive twin towers and grand facade define the panorama of Hot Springs.

• Medical Arts Building

  A classic example of an Art Deco skyscraper. Built in 1929, the building is distinguished by a silhouette tapering towards the top and decorative elements made of bronze and terracotta, emphasizing the city's status as a medical centre.

Distinguished Figures of Hot Springs

The history of Hot Springs is inextricably linked with the names of presidents, sports legends, stars of the arts, and even organized crime figures. The unique atmosphere of the resort attracted a wide variety of people who left a noticeable mark on the city's chronicles.

• Bill Clinton

  42nd President of the USA
  Hot Springs is the city of the future president's childhood and youth. Clinton moved here with his family in 1954; here he attended school and developed as a leader. City locations associated with his life today form a popular tourist route, demonstrating the roots of one of the most influential politicians of the 20th century.

• Al Capone

  Chicago Gangster and Crime Boss
  During the Prohibition era, Capone made Hot Springs his favourite refuge. He regularly stayed at the Arlington Hotel (traditionally occupying room 443), where he felt safe thanks to the loyalty of local authorities. His presence cemented the city's reputation as "neutral territory" for the mafia.

• Babe Ruth

  American Baseball Legend
  The famous athlete was a frequent guest of the city, coming here for spring training camps. It was in Hot Springs that the tradition of Spring Training for professional baseball teams originated. Ruth valued the local thermal baths for their restorative effect and was known for his records not only on the field but also on the local golf courses.

• Owney Madden

  Gangster and Entrepreneur
  Known as "The Killer", Madden was a key figure in New York organized crime but spent the second half of his life in Hot Springs. He played a decisive role in the development of the city's illicit gaming industry in the mid-20th century, providing protection for casinos and attracting wealthy tourists. Madden lived in the city until his death, becoming part of local folklore.

• Billy Bob Thornton

  Actor, Director, Screenwriter
  The Oscar winner was born in Hot Springs in 1955. Although his career developed in Hollywood, he remains one of the most famous natives of the city, representing the region's modern cultural contribution to world cinema.

• Marjorie Lawrence

  Opera Singer (Dramatic Soprano)
  A star of the Metropolitan Opera, famous for her Wagnerian repertoire. After polio confined her to a wheelchair, she settled on a ranch near Hot Springs. Lawrence led an active public life, taught vocals, and inspired local residents with her courage and talent.