Name: Big Spring

 

County: Hot Springs

 

Authority Name: 

 

GNIS Entry

 

Longitude:  1081141W

Latitude: 433917N

 

Legal Description:

 

Elevation: 4357/1328

(ft/m)

 

Feature Type: Spring

 

Origin of Name:

The largest spring, known as the Big Spring, is approximately 35 feet in diameter and is a gorgeous sight. The water has a bluish-green hue as it bubbles and boils from an unknown depth. This spring is located directly at the foot of Monument Hill, at the southwest corner, and is partially surrounded by large rocks of travertine deposit from the minerals carried in solution by the hot water. All of the water used for bathing, fountains and some irrigation comes from this spring. The hot water leaves the pool in a large conduit under the surface, while another portion runs from the spring in a ditch to the cooling ponds which are themselves a lovely sight as the water is crystal clear and the curious formations in various hues are plainly discernable at any depth. As only a small portion of the water from the Big Spring is used for the hotels, apartments, swimming pools and bath houses, a large stream leaves the spring to form terraces  on the brink of the Big Horn River where it falls 50 feet into the river.

 

The spring is said to be the largest hot medicinal spring in the world, and is said to flow 18,600,000 gallons per day at a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. These waters are used to treat and cure rheumatism, acute and chronic; arthritis, neuritis, stomach disorders, skin diseases, nervous disorders, and bladder, kidney and liver troubles, and the water has only recently become famous for the treatment of infantile paralysis sufferers, although it has long been known to be very beneficial in paralysis cases.

Source: WPA

 

Other Names: 

 

Alternative Spellings:

 

History:

 

Stories:

 

Maps:

1:24000 Quadrangle: Thermopolis

 

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