History & Culture

Rector Bathhouse, 1870s

National Park Service image from HOSP archives

Hot Springs National Park has a long and colorful history, beginning long before its designation as Hot Springs Reservation in 1832. American Indians came here for thousands of years to quarry novaculite for their tools and weapons. The Dunbar-Hunter Expedition came here in 1804, sent by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the southern reaches of the Louisiana Purchase. Soon a bustling town grew up around the hot springs to provide services for health seekers. The resultant bathing industry led to Hot Springs becoming known as the "American Spa."

Links to Additional Readings:
- Brief History of Hot Springs National Park (Word Document)

 

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  People

  Learn more about the People of Hot Springs National Park.

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  Stories

  Learn more about the stories of Hot Springs National Park.

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  Places

  Learn about the historical places in the Park.

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  Collections

  Learn more about the various museum collections and archives at the Park.

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  Research

  Read more about some of the research that has been written about the Park.

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  Archeology

  Hot Springs NP has a dense, rich archeological record with 92 sites and counting. Learn more about our history's mysteries.