The medicinal value of these springs was promoted by Charles Matheny in 1840. The first hotel was built in 1864, and the resort was named Sodaville. The property was owned by General Benjamin Coates from 1888 to 1891, Smith Grimes from 1891 to 1908, and J. W. Rogers from 1908 to 1920. Mineral Springs Health Resort became nationally known for its large hotel complex and recreational facilities. That hotel was destroyed by fire in 1924. A smaller hotel built in 1904 a quarter mile north continued operation through 1940.