Magnetic Spring was widely said to magnetize metal objects placed in its water, and exclusive use of the water was claimed to cure physical debility and help overcome drug addiction, a condition prevalent in the late Victorian era because patent medicines commonly contained alcohol and narcotics. A large wooden pavilion stood over the original spring site and was widely used by visitors, and the Tourist Social Hour Club, devoted to entertaining tourists, met there regularly from 1885 to 1935. Magnetic Spring was originally owned by General Powell Clayton and the Eureka Springs Improvement Company. In 1911, General Clayton deeded the property to the City of Eureka Springs while workmen were hand-excavating thirty-eight feet into the mountainside to open the main stream of water. The picnic pavilion remained in place, a new wood and stone shelter was built over the spring, and local newspapers praised the improvements, saying that for years Magnetic Spring had brought more people to Eureka Springs than anything else.

Photo: Duane and Tracy Marsteller

Photo: Duane and Tracy Marsteller

Eureka Springs, Arkansas · USA