Benton County
The headwaters of Prairie Creek are referred to as “dream valley” due to its combination of fertile bottomlands, hillsides rich in timber and many springs offering a dependable source of water. At one time a small farm or homestead could be found by nearly every spring of ever-flowing water. The tavern and stage stop that served the Butterfield Express drew its water from Callahan Spring. The railroad that gave birth to Rogers drew its water from Frisco Spring and the city itself drew its municipal water from Diamond Spring using water from nearby Railroad Spring to drive the turbine to pump the water. And, for those seeking relief of ailments and diseases they drew their water from Electric Springs.
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Springs of ArkansasPreserving the legacy of nature's marvelous works and wonders
Esculapia Springs
Prior to the birth of Rogers a small settlement had sprung up a few miles to the east on the road to Slick Rock Ford near some springs in Esculapia Hollow. The springs owned by E. J. A. “Uncle Zeke” Dickson in 1880 were held in local esteem by invalids and the infirm and several houses and two large frame hotels were built near the springs to accommodate them.
Esculpia Springs were found in the bottom of a small ravine surrounded by many enticing natural features to explore – Devil’s Head Bluff, Falls Hollow, and Slick Rock Ford -- the broad shallow, solid-rock crossing of the White River that afforded a natural, and very slippery ford for horse-pulled conveyances. The two principal springs were walled in cut limestone and arose from the Boone chert formation. The water had a faint mineral taste (solids, 15 grains/gallon) and was relatively rich in sodum salts. The water was said to restore precious minerals and salts to the body, especially for those who had experienced a long exhausting winter of illnesses.
The resort at Esculapia Springs did not survive the changes that arose with the railroad coming to Rogers in 1881. As soon as it was announced that the railroad was coming to Rogers a number of lots at Euscalpia Springs were put up for sale. Soon everyone was picking up – sometimes even their entire homes – and moving closer to the railroad. In 1891 when state geologist John Banner visited the springs most of the homes had been abandoned with title to many of the properties under dispute. When a bridge was built across the White River further to the north of Slick Rock Ford traffic on the main road leading east out of Rogers past Eusculpia Springs all but disappeared. This cemented the small resort’s demise.
Incidentally, the demise of Euscalpia Springs mirrors that of the nearby community of Key across the White River from Euscalapia Springs. This small hamlet on the other side of the ford was settled by the Key family who had a small store, livery and post office. The community drew its water from Key Spring using a ram pump to deliver the water to homes and businesses. With construction of the new bridge across the White River to the north Slick Rock Ford Key Spring also fell from favor and then from memory. Key Spring now lies under the waters of Beaver Lake.
"Taking the waters” – the physical experience of healing, cleansing and rejuvenation using natural spring water -- was a common pursuit following the Civil War. Health seekers sought out springs purported to have healing properties and during the 19th century many spas and resorts were developed to serve their needs, offering lodging, food and entertainment. In Bentonville such a resort could be found at Park Springs a popular watering hole a few blocks north of the town square. Park Springs offered a shaded glen, cool hollow and crisp fresh water for community picnics, church socials, and family gatherings. Several Civil War veterans’ reunions were held at Park Springs including the 1893 Arkansas State Confederate Veterans' Reunion. These springs remain a feature of the community.
Sometime around 1830 Simon Sager and his family left St. Louis on the Osage Trail. At that time St. Louis was the largest city west of the Mississippi River and beyond its borders was mostly wilderness, vast and uncharted. Sager would settle in northwest Arkansas and build a little log cabin near a spring-fed creek that was thereafter to bear his name. Over time he explored Sager Creek to its source and discovered several springs -- some 20 to 30 separate springs, everything from a feeble chalybeate spring to a big gusher of clear calcareous water that supplied the city of Siloam Springs with pure spring water for many years . Sometime around 1879 J.V. Hargrove established Siloam City on land he owned in the valley along Sager Creek and poured his heart and soul into deveoloping it as a health resort.
There is something special in the quiet vale of Butler Creek and it seems to have arisen from its healing springs. Many health seekers found relief from their ailments and diseases while drinking and bathing in the mineral springs offered at Sulphur Springs. Some of the testimonials sound incredulous: tumors miraculously disappearing, paraplegics casting aside their wheelchairs, and sight restored to the blind. The natural healing offered by the springs was an enticing lure catching the attention of a lot of coal, zinc and lead miners in Kansas and Missouri who had developed respiratory ailments. Thousands of patients were dispatched annually to Sulphur Springs for arthritis and respiratory treatment and they generally returned home healthier, stronger and more productive.