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Once known as America’s ‘Haven of Health’, the city of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA was home to an estimated 40 unique mineral spring and well sites. This collection of mineral waters is one of the largest in the world. After the discovery of the first spring in the late nineteenth century, the reputation of its therapeutic potential quickly spread. Subsequently, hundreds and thousands flocked to the area daily to enjoy the various health spas and recreational facilities. This study includes the results of archaeological excavations at the most prominent of the springs in the city, Regent Spring. Though once hosting scores of visitors per day who sought health, relaxation and socialization at the spring and associated park, all remnants and features of it have been completely lost to time. Analysis of artefacts recovered at the site illustrate a history of early 1900s health tourism and hydrotherapy. As well as archaeological analysis, primary documents in the form of contemporaneous postcards reveal the motivations and perspective of visitors to this water-centric town. Through these multidisciplinary analyses, this study explores how attitudes towards hydrotherapy and health tourism changed over time and how this town addressed this evolution by shifting focus from mineral springs, to recreation and eventually to state-of the art medical facilities.

America’s Haven of Health: Hydrotherapy and tourism at Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA