The bubbling mineral waters of Blount Springs, Alabama, now a ghost town thirty-five miles North of Birmingham, once drew fun lovers and health seekers throughout the South.
As early as 1825 a weekly stage brought scores from Huntsville to "Alabama's Fountain of Youth." The sick came to partake of the mineral waters that "cured" scrofula., rheumatism, dyspepsia sore eyes, gout, pimples, blotches, lost appetites, paralysis, and many other infections and diseases.
In 1850, a colonial type inn of 40 rooms was built at the Springs. It was destroyed by fire 19 years later.
When the 7O's a railroad was completed that brought in thousands more to seek the "curative virtues and medicinal qualities" at the 'Saratoga of the South." These included noted statesmen, politicians, and educators of the times.
Also in the 70's Blount Springs Natural Sulphur Water Bottling Company began operations. The most popular "Red Sulphur Water" was bottled in blue glass because it was believed that glass of that color presevered the strength of the water.
This bottled water was peddled on trains passing through the resort and was shipped to many towns in Alabama and Tennessee.
In 1878, the Bount Springs New Jackson House was opened. In 1915 it was also destroyed by fire.
