There’s nothing like a day on the water in Kentucky, something we think is healing for the heart and soul. But did you know there’s a small town in Kentucky that was once thought to have literal healing waters? Thousands of people used to flock to the tiny town of Dawson to experience its healing waters, a legacy celebrated in the Dawson Springs Museum and Art Center today.
Dawson Springs is home to a population of 2,400 and is, from all appearances, a typical and charming small town in Kentucky.
City of Dawson Springs, Kentucky/Facebook
This little town in Western Kentucky is known by outdoor enthusiasts as the home of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, one of the best places for water recreation in the state.
Kentucky Tourism/Facebook
But there was a time, at the turn of the 20th century, when folks flocked to the waters of Dawson Springs for another reason.
City of Dawson Springs, Kentucky/Facebook
In the 1880s, W.I. Hamby discovered the first mineral well in the Dawson Springs area. Owner of the eponymous Hamby Hotel, in June of 1893 he was drilling for water to accommodate his hotel when he struck a second well.
Kentucky Historical Society
People came from all over the country and abroad to sample the cures offered by the mineral waters in this small town in Western Kentucky. Trade and tourism flourished, with Hamby’s Well putting Dawson Springs on the map.
Dawson Springs Museum & Art Center/Facebook
It was said that this well could water 100,000 or more people on a daily basis. This very famous well became known as Hamby’s Salts, Iron and Lithia Well.
Dawson Springs Museum & Art Center/Facebook
Chemists analyzed the water at Dawson Springs and their findings were published as endorsements for the healing powers found in the natural mineral waters. Medical professionals even touted the waters, sending patients to Dawson Springs for relief from liver and gallbladder ailments, rheumatism, heart disease, and intestinal troubles.
Riderofhp37/Wikipedia
Hotels, boarding houses, spas, and mineral baths sprung up all over the place and people told tales of amazing cures afforded by the miracle waters, creating the framework for the town we know today.
Dawson Springs Museum & Art Center/Facebook
This unique and fascinating history is celebrated at the Dawson Springs Museum and Art Center, along with other fascinating photographs and artifacts from the town’s founding days.
Dawson Springs Museum & Art Center/Facebook
Healing waters aside, there is something undeniably magical and marvelous about Dawson Springs, a tiny Kentucky town sure to capture your heart.
UK College of Agriculture, Food & Environment/Flickr
Did you know the story of the healing waters in this Kentucky town? What a fascinating part of Bluegrass history!
City of Dawson Springs, Kentucky/Facebook
Kentucky Tourism/Facebook
Kentucky Historical Society
Dawson Springs Museum & Art Center/Facebook
Riderofhp37/Wikipedia
UK College of Agriculture, Food & Environment/Flickr
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Address: Dawson Springs, KY 42408, USA
