Faywood Hot Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Faywood Hot Springs |
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| Bull Spring Mimbres Hot Springs Hudson Hot Springs |
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"Pleasant Days at the Faywood Hot Springs", August 4, 1915, by Thomas K. Todsen
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| Location | Grant County, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 32°33′27.03″N 107°59′34.13″W / 32.5575083°N 107.9928139°W |
| Elevation | 5,782 feet (1,762 m) |
| Type | geothermal spring |
| Discharge | 6,000 US gallons (23,000 L; 5,000 imp gal) per hour |
| Temperature | 142 °F (61 °C) |
The Faywood Hot Springs are natural hot springs in Grant County, New Mexico, United States. These springs have also been known by other names like Bull Spring, Mimbres Hot Springs, and Hudson Hot Springs. You can find them about 2 miles (3.2 km) northeast of US 180 and .5 miles (0.80 km) west of NM 61. They are located just south of the City of Rocks State Park.
People have been visiting these hot springs for a very long time, even since the days of the Mimbres culture. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Faywood Hot Springs was a very popular resort. However, in 1952, the main buildings were taken down, and the area became like a ghost town. Then, in 1993, new owners bought the land and turned it back into a hot springs resort.
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What Makes Faywood Hot Springs Special?
The hot springs are located high up, at an altitude of 5,782 feet (1,762 m). Nearby mountains help protect them from strong winds. In the early 1900s, people reported that the springs flowed out of a cone-shaped mound of hardened minerals. This mound was about .5 miles (0.80 km) around and 40 feet (12 m) tall. The water flowed at a rate of 6,000 U.S. gallons (23,000 liters; 5,000 imperial gallons) every hour.
The water from Faywood Hot Springs is known for being very warm. It was once described as one of the hottest spring waters in the Southwest, reaching about 142 °F (61 °C) degrees. More recently, in 2001, the water temperature was measured at 129 °F (54 °C) degrees. Scientists have studied the water and found that it contains many natural minerals. These include soda, alumina, carbonates, chlorides, iron, magnesium, potash, silica, and sulfates.
A Look Back at Faywood Hot Springs
Ancient History and Early Visitors
Evidence shows that people from the ancient Mimbres culture used these springs a long time ago. Archaeologists have found mortar holes there, which were used for grinding food. During construction work in 1896, workers discovered old stone tools, flint tools, pottery, and copper spoons near the springs. This tells us that people lived and worked in this area many centuries ago.
Native American groups, including the Apaches, also visited the site. Spanish explorers, miners, and buffalo hunters also came to the hot springs.
From Resort to Ghost Town
The hot springs have had several names over the years. In 1785, Captain Martinez called the site Ojo Toro, which means "bull spring," after seeing bulls drinking there. Later, in 1851, it was called Ojo Caliente, meaning "hot spring," by John Bartlett of the US Boundary Commission.
In 1859, the first hotel and bathhouse, called the Hotel of Accommodation, was built. This was done by William Watts and A. Kuhne, who used to be sheriffs in El Paso, Texas. In 1868, Grant County was officially created. Colonel Richard Hudson, the county's first sheriff, bought the property. By 1878, it was known as Mimbres Hot Springs. The next year, it was renamed Hudson Hot Springs and even had its own post office until 1881. Colonel Hudson started building a new hotel in 1881, which was finished in 1884. Sadly, this hotel burned down in 1890.
Andrew Graham became the owner in 1894. By 1896, he finished building a large 60-room hotel called Casa del Consuelo, meaning "House of Delight." This hotel was considered one of the "fanciest hotels in New Mexico Territory" at the time. By 1897, about 35 people lived in Hudson Hot Springs. Visitors and mail would arrive at the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway's Hudson station, which was five miles away. The local economy was supported by farming, raising livestock, and tourism. People believed the minerals in the hot springs could help with various health issues.
Around 1900, three men named J.C. Fay, William Lockwood, and T.C. McDermott developed the resort further. The name "Faywood" was created by combining parts of Fay and Lockwood's names. McDermott was the only partner who stayed at the resort for a long time. The Faywood Hot Springs Hotel could host up to 125 guests. It was a single-story building with a large courtyard and a very long porch, almost 900 feet (270 m) long. The hotel had many rooms, including a big dining room, parlors, a writing room, a barber shop, and a billiard room. The spring water was cooled and piped directly into the hotel rooms and bathhouses. Guest rooms had their own outdoor entrances, large windows, and hot and cold water. Many rooms could even be heated using pipes with warm water from the springs.
In 1904, the Governor of New Mexico reported that Faywood was one of the most popular hot springs with "excellent hotel accommodations." McDermott lived at the property until he passed away in 1947 at the age of 97. The resort was very popular during World War I, but fewer people visited after that. In 1952, the hotel was torn down, leaving only its adobe foundation.
After the hotel was removed, the land was owned by mining companies like Chino Mines, Kennecott Copper, and Phelps Dodge. They owned it until 1993.
Faywood Hot Springs Today
In 1993, Elon Yurwit and Wanda Fuselier bought the property. Since then, the hot springs have been used as a private resort once again. Today, the public pools have temperatures ranging from 95 to 110 °F (35 to 43 °C) degrees. There are pools where you must wear a swimsuit and others where it's optional. Visitors can also choose to use private pools. The resort offers places for tent camping, RV camping, and cabins for overnight stays.
