Radium Springs, Georgia facts for kids
Radium Springs is a small area found just outside of Albany in Dougherty County, Georgia, United States. It is famous for being home to one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia." This wonder is the largest natural spring in the state.
The water at Radium Springs is a beautiful deep blue color. It flows out at an amazing speed of 70,000 gallons (265,000 liters) every minute! This huge amount of water then flows into the nearby Flint River. Below the surface, there is also a large system of underwater caves.
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What Makes Radium Springs Special?
The water in Radium Springs always stays at the same cool temperature. It is about 68 °F (20 °C) all year round. This makes it a great place to visit, even when it's hot outside. The water also has tiny amounts of a natural element called radium.
How Radium Springs Got Its Name
Before 1925, people knew this place as "Blue Springs." This name came from the clear, deep blue color of the water. But in 1925, scientists discovered that the water contained small amounts of radium. After this discovery, the name was changed to "Radium Springs."
A Popular Resort in the Past
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In the 1920s, a large building called a casino was built right next to the springs. Radium Springs became a very popular spa and resort. Many people from colder northern states would travel by train to spend their winters in Florida. They often stopped at Radium Springs to swim. At that time, people believed that swimming in the water was good for their health because of the radium it contained.
The End of the Casino Era
Sadly, the casino building faced a lot of damage from floods. The Flint River overflowed its banks in 1998 and again in 1999. These floods caused serious harm to the casino. Because of the damage, the building had to be taken down in 2003. Even though the casino is gone, the natural beauty of Radium Springs still remains.
