Hot Springs, Arkansas has a rich history, from its natural hot springs to its connections to organized crime. History buffs who stay at Tiffany’s Bed and Breakfast will find many fascinating aspects of the city’s past to explore. Here are our top 5 places to visit:
- Hot Springs National Park: Hot Springs National Park is the oldest national park in the United States, and it is located in the heart of Hot Springs. In 1832, President Andrew Jackson signed the first law in history to preserve land for recreational purposes, which became Hot Springs National Park. Yellowstone National Park wasn’t established until 1872. Hot Springs’ rich architectural history can be admired along Bathhouse Row, home to the park’s 8 historic bathhouses. These bathhouses were built between 1892 and 1923 and are the largest remaining collection of early twentieth-century bathhouses in the United States.
- Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail: A one-of-a-kind baseball trail documenting Hot Springs’ status as The Birthplace of Spring Baseball. 32 historical markers located all over the city mark the spots where the sport’s legends played ball or relaxed while enjoying Hot Springs’ many attractions. Teams such as the Brooklyn Nationals, Chicago White Stockings and Boston Red Sox, and players ranging from Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, and Honus Wagner trained here or had significant connections to Hot Springs.
- History of Hot Springs Gambling Museum: In 1961, the US Department of Justice concluded that Hot Springs had the largest illegal gambling operation in the country. The casino era ended in 1967, but the History of Hot Springs Gambling Museum has preserved a tremendous amount of memorabilia, such as slot machines dating back to the 1920s, roulette wheels, blackjack tables, and roulette wheels from casinos that no longer exist. They also have a large collection of thoroughbred racing memorabilia.
- Oaklawn Park Race Track: Opened in 1905, its grandstand included innovations such as a glass-enclosed grandstand and steam heat—one of the first racetracks in the country with either. The infield of the track was the site of the Arkansas State Fair when former President Theodore Roosevelt visited in 1910. Today, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is one of the premier horse racing venues in the country, hosting some of the biggest races and purses in the country from December through the first weekend of May.
- Point Cedar Mine: This mine, located just behind Tiffany’s Bed and Breakfast, was mined for copper, zinc, lead and silver. Mining began in 1906, and “returns on this ore were very pleasing” according to the property’s owner at the time. In 1941, the Gypsy Queen Mining Company built a 100-ton a day capacity ore mill on the site, and it was mined off and on until 1953. A mysterious fire burned the building in the 1970s, but the concrete pilings and drill bit are still visible to guests who wish to take a short walk in the woods to see it.
From Native American tribes thousands of years ago, to baseball players and gangsters, millions of people have sought the therapeutic thermal waters of Hot Springs. History enthusiasts can now walk in their footsteps, exploring the city’s captivating past.
When you stay at our country inn near Hot Springs, Arkansas, you’ll enjoy the comfort of one of our 3 restful guest rooms, each with a private bath. A homemade Breakfast at Tiffany’s is served each morning, and we have 60 acres of outdoor space to explore, including the Point Cedar Mine. We are committed to providing personalized service to every guest. We will work with you to create a customized experience that meets your specific needs and preferences, and are happy to help you discover even more historical sites in our area. We even offer a variety of special deals and exclusive add-ons for booking on our website, so reserve your accommodations today to experience the long and colorful history of Hot Springs.