In 1828, mineral springs were discovered on 640 acres purchased by William Denham, giving Denham Springs its name. A 20 room hotel near the springs was operated by proprietress I. Watson. On May 1, 1855, the land was sold to Stamaty Covas, and during his ownership, before the Civil War, a health resort flourished. After the Civil War, Covas lost possession, and in 1882 George L. Minton purchased the land for $124 in delinquent taxes. The hamlet was known at various times as Amite Springs, Hill's Springs, and finally Denham Springs. The village of Denham Springs was incorporated on May 8, 1903, became a town on February 5, 1929, and was proclaimed a city on September 5, 1957.