Vichy Springs, Mendocino County, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vichy Springs
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 Vichy Springs
Location in California
Vichy Springs
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Mendocino County |
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| Reference #: | 980 |
Vichy Springs is a special place in Mendocino County, California, known for its natural hot springs. It's an unincorporated community, meaning it's not officially a city or town. You can find it about 3 miles (4.8 km) east-northeast of Ukiah, sitting at an elevation of 801 feet (244 meters).
This area used to be called Ukiah Vichy Springs and Doolan's Ukiah Vichy Springs.
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What Makes Vichy Springs Special?
Imagine water bubbling up from the ground, naturally warm and fizzy! That's what you'll find at Vichy Springs. The water here is special because it's alkaline (which means it's not acidic) and carbonated (like soda pop!). These springs are a lot like the famous Grand Grille Springs in Vichy, France.
A Look at Its History
Long ago, the local Native American people knew about and used these hot springs. Then, in 1848, a person named Frank Marble was the first Westerner to discover them.
The First Resort
In the 1850s, a man named William Day started the Ukiah Vichy Springs Resort. He wanted to use the natural spring water for something called hydrotherapy. This was a popular idea in the 1800s, where people believed that bathing in or drinking special waters could help them feel better.
By 1892, the resort was known as Doolan's Ukiah Vichy Springs. It became a very popular place for people to visit.
Famous Visitors and Special Water
Many well-known people came to relax at Vichy Springs. These included Ulysses S. Grant, who was a former President of the United States, and Benjamin Harrison, another former President. Famous writers like Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Mark Twain also visited. Even Teddy Roosevelt, who would later become president, enjoyed the springs.
A Special California Landmark
Vichy Springs is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in California that has been open continuously for a long time. Because of its long history and special nature, it has been recognized as California Historical Landmark #980. This means it's an important historical site in the state.
A post office also operated at Vichy Springs from 1893 to 1936.
