Our History...
Native Americans traveling through this valley were the first to discover and make use of these Hot
Springs. They felt the hot mineral water had a strong medicinal effect, healing the body and
strengthening the spirit. They called these springs the "Wampum Waters." Wampum translates roughly
as "good" or "beneficial."
Many tribes, including the Flathead, Blackfeet and Crow, came here to use these waters to heal
their sick. Since some were warring tribes, a truce had to be worked out and this valley became neutral
ground; a Valley of Peace. It was permissible to kill your enemy on the other side of the mountains, but
not here. Here you had to co-exist, be peaceful and share the waters.
First Bath House...
Around 1866, the Flathead Indians told an early
settler, James Brewer, of the renowned healing
waters. Brewer became fascinated with the springs,
built a cabin next to them and settled down. By
1872, he had constructed a bath house with three
single bath rooms and a 12' x12' plunge. Baths were
75 cents, whiskey extra. He named his new
settlement Brewer's Springs.
This valley is special, a place of peace, rest and healing. From the Native American times until today,
a legacy of peace and healing has been handed down, a legacy we are proud to preserve.
White Sulphur Springs...
In 1876 Brewer sold part of his holdings to
Dr. William Parberry, the first Medical Practitioner
in the area. Dr. Parberry later acquired the
remainder of the business and changed the name to
White Sulphur Springs. He often recommended
to his patients that they make use of these waters
for their excellent healing qualities.
Ringling House...
Around the turn of the century John Ringling of the
Ringling Brothers Circus bought the Hot Springs
property. Before the Depression scuttled his plans,
Ringling had hoped to build a plush and elaborate bath
house and hotel. A chemist Ringling brought over from
Germany to analyze these waters reported back to him
that the mineral water of the springs "...possessed such
high virtue that it is doubtful whether better springs can be found on the Western Hemisphere."
Healing Waters...
For hundreds of years, people have used these
natural hot springs for health purposes. Easing such
conditions as arthritis, rheumatism, skin and stomach
disorders, and a wide variety of muscle and joint
ailments. These waters are wonderfully relaxing and
a great aid in easing tension and fatigue.
Chemistry of the Waters...
The chemistry of these waters has frequently been
praised and often compared to Baden-Baden, the
famous spa in Germany. We like to say that the waters
of Baden-Baden are almost, but not quite, as
good as these.
Analysis of the Water...
Chloride.................................184 ppm
Sulfate....................................301 ppm
Bicarbonate...........................830 ppm
Nitrate.........................................trace
Lithium........................................trace
Sodium and Potassium..........504 ppm
Magnesium..............................12 ppm
Calcium....................................45 ppm
Iron and Alumina......................4 ppm
Silica........................................44 ppm
*ppm = parts per million