Mercey Hot Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mercey Hot Springs |
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| Mercy Hot Springs | |
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| Location | Fresno County |
| Elevation | 1,161 feet (354 meters) |
| Type | geothermal |
| Temperature | 119 °F (48 °C) |
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Mercey Hot Springs (once called Mercy Hot Springs) is a historic place with natural hot springs in Fresno County, central California. It's about 60 miles (97 km) west-southwest of Fresno. People have enjoyed these warm waters for a very long time.
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History of Mercey Hot Springs
Early Use by Native Americans
Long ago, Native Americans used these hot springs. Local tribes showed the springs to John Merci, an early European settler. He was a sheep herder and later changed his name to Mercy.
Gold Rush Era Watering Hole
Settlers found the springs in 1848 near Arroyo de Pannochita. During the California Gold Rush, it was known as the Aguaje Panochita. This name means "Little Panoche Watering Place." Cowboys used this spot to hold wild horses they had caught. It was also a stop on an old trail called La Vereda del Monte.
Developing the Resort
The hot springs resort opened after 1900. In 1912, John Mercy sold the land to Frederick Bourn. He was a real estate developer from San Francisco. Bourn built cabins and a hotel at the springs.
In the mid-1930s, the hotel burned down. A new bathhouse and restaurant were built to replace it. Later, a campground and a swimming pool were added for visitors.
Hot Springs Water Temperature
The natural hot mineral water comes from the ground at different temperatures. One source is about 119°F (48°C). Another artesian well provides water at 110°F (43°C). This warm water is what makes the springs so special.
What You Can Find at Mercey Hot Springs
Mercey Hot Springs offers several things for visitors. You can rent cabins to stay in. There are also spots for tents and RVs if you prefer camping.
The resort has a large swimming pool. This pool is filled with warm water from an artesian hot well. There are also smaller bathtub-like pools for soaking. A special bathing area is located near the Little Panoche Creek. The resort is about ten miles west of Interstate 5. It sits along the San Andreas Rift Zone, a famous earthquake fault line.
Location of the Springs
Mercey Hot Springs is found in the Little Panoche Valley. The facility includes the natural hot springs. The road leading to it, Little Panoche Road, was once part of an old stagecoach route.
The ZIP Code for this community is 93622. It is located at an elevation of about 1,161 feet (354 meters).
