Baxter County
Natural lithia mineral spring waters are rare and Lithia Spring in Baxter County is a noteworthy contributor to Arkansas’ apothecary of healing springs. The spring lies on a natural trace of rolling prairies edged by the White River and riparian woodlands. The springs were already a popular stop-over for visitors when the Rev. Charles Henderson Mayfield and his family moved to the springs prior to the Civil War. Charles was a circuit Baptist minister and travel by foot and horse over much of Baxter and Marion Counties spreading the word, giving hundreds of sermons, dispensing thousands of pages of literature and baptizing all those who sought redemption. Mayfield not only carried the word of God but also word of Lithia Springs, the elixir of life.
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Springs of ArkansasPreserving the legacy of nature's marvelous works and wonders
Hilton's Medical Springs
Baxter County was abuzz with testimonials of a newly discovered healing spring in the spring of 1880. Mr. Henry Hilton and his wife had just moved to small farm in the Whiteville township when they noticed a near immediate improvement in their general health which they attributed to the spring from which they got their water. Ms. Hilton’s chronic sore eyes were “entirely healed” as were the eyes of many other people who subsequently used the springs on their advice.
Whether used for drinking or bathing the spring had a proclivity for resolving sore eyes. Many people also reported being rejuvenated and “feeling better than they had in years”. The spring water was also found to heal skin sores and abscesses and was prescribed for “dyspepsia and affections of the liver”.
Early promoters were quite eager and optimistic that a grand summer resort was in the making. Plans were drawn out, a few lots sold and considerations were given to building a hotel as the Hiltons were regularly taking in boarders to supplement their income. But, while the Hiltons would live long into their 80s enjoying water from the spring, the plans for a summer resort never got beyond conception.