Bladon Springs State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bladon Springs State Park |
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Octagonal spring pavilion, the site's last remaining antebellum-era structure
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 Bladon Springs State Park
Location in Alabama
Bladon Springs State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Choctaw, Alabama, United States |
| Area | 357 acres (144 ha) |
| Elevation | 131 ft (40 m) |
| Established | 1838 |
| Operator | Local |
| Website | Bladon Springs State Park |
Bladon Springs State Park is a locally managed public recreation area on the site of four mineral springs that were once part of the historic spa at Bladon Springs, Choctaw County, Alabama. Analysis by a state geologist in 1845 found the springs to contain sulfur, iron, magnesium, and calcium. The park came under local control after the state closed it in October 2015. The state park—which had offered a small campground and picnicking facilities—was one of several that were closed or saw curtailment of services in 2015 following state budget cuts.
History
The springs bearing the name of the property's first owner, John Bladon, were opened as a spa by James Conner in 1838. Travelers from near and far were drawn by the mineral content of the spring water, which was thought to possess healing qualities. After building cottages that could accommodate one hundred guests, Conner improved his spa in 1846 with a grand Greek Revival–style hotel that could house 200 more people. The structure featured a full-length, two-story veranda across its front, ballroom, bowling alley, billiard room, hotel bar, and skating rink. A latticed pavilion over the principal spring, bath houses, latticed pergola, and croquet court were part of the grounds. The hotel was one of the largest wooden hotels ever built in Alabama and together with the grounds earned for the springs the nickname the "Saratoga of the South."
The hotel operated through the Civil War, finding full operation again by 1870, then saw diminishing popularity in the 20th century, until it closed "sometime after 1913." Logging crews found lodging there until the hotel was purchased by the state in 1934 for state employee housing. The grounds were opened as a state park after the hotel burned down in 1938. The cottages were eventually demolished or moved, leaving the pavilion over the main spring as the only remaining original structure. The park came under local management after being one of five Alabama state parks that were closed by the state in 2015.
Spring water
The water from the springs is laden with sulfur-fixing bacteria and is slightly yellow-tinged. It has a faint odor of sulfur and contains small gauze-like masses of the bacteria. These bacteria are harmless to humans. Although most visitors come to bathe in the water, it is also potable, and even pleasant to drink after the solid materials have been strained out and the water chilled.
Activities and amenities
The park offers picnicking and playground facilities and is a stop on the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail.
