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| Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has
selected 12 vacation destinations across the United States that offer an
authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity,
attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to
historic preservation and revitalization. Hot Springs South Dakota Is one
of these. Click Here for more info |
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The town of Hot Springs was founded in the late 1800's. It was founded not
on mining, ranching nor farming, but on the therapeutic value of the 177
springs in our valley. Hot Springs was originally named "Minnekahta,"
the native word for "warm waters". The town founders, realizing
the value of the waters, renamed the town Hot Springs. This assured the
town's success, as people came from all over the country by the trainload
to take advantage of the healing properties of the waters.
At that time, there were a dozen or so bath houses which prospered on these
naturally-occurring waters, including the famous Evans Plunge. In fact,
the VA Hospital came here during the civil war, in part because of the
healing effects of the waters. The springs exist at the VA to this day,
but are no longer in use.
Before Europeans settled in this area, the native population had been using
the healing waters for centuries. In fact, it is said they even fought
over them. Battle Mountain, a state historic site on the outskirts of town,
was named in memory of the major battle between the Lakota and the Sioux
Indian tribes over control of the springs.
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Top To Do Ideas:
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Hot Springs the South Dakota Historic town.
Hot springs SD has many Historic Building's built in Sandstone Brick. You
will love your visit here.
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Hot Springs was a thriving little boom town based on the industry of mineral
springs. The springs' popularity slowly declined in the 1930's. With the
introduction of penicillin, doctors began recommending medication instead
of soaking in the mineral waters. World War II marked the end of the famed
bath houses.
Springs Bath House, LLC is the first bath house to return to the
once-famous little town of Hot Springs, South Dakota in more than 60 years. |
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