America’s ‘Haven of Health’: Health and Recreation at Turn of the Century Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Summary

Once known as America’s "Haven of Health", the city of Excelsior Springs, Missouri was home to an estimated 40 unique mineral spring and well sites.  This collection of mineral waters is one of the largest in the world, and reputation quickly spread of their healing properties.  After the founding of the city in 1880, hundreds and thousands flocked to the area daily to enjoy the various health spas and recreational facilities.  Preliminary analysis of artifacts recovered at the Regent Spring site illustrate a history of early 1900’s medicine and entertainment. We can also see shifts in bottle making technology as the City of Excelsior Springs consolidated the various wells into the "World’s Longest Water Bar" at the famous Hall of Waters.  Thus, the artifacts recovered through three field seasons of excavation provide us valuable information about wellness, entertainment, and technology at this turn of the century Midwestern tourist attraction.    

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Poster Submission 2018   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2018

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 744