American Indians considered Waconda Springs a sacred site, and the name comes from a Kaw word meaning "Great Spirit," with similar translations used by other tribes. Legend tells of the beautiful Waconda, who fell in love with Takota, a warrior from a competing tribe, and their forbidden relationship led to a battle in which Takota was fatally shot and fell into the springs; Waconda followed him into the waters. Regarded as neutral territory, the springs drew Kaws, Pawnees, Comanches, and Osages. As Indians were forced from their lands, American settlers took interest in the springs, bottling its mineral water as a tonic and opening a health spa in 1884 that attracted tourists while owners claimed the waters could cure many maladies. The springs were later submerged beneath Waconda Lake when Glen Elder Dam was built in 1969.