In 1845, Ezekial Neal discovered an artesian sulphur well while drilling for salt water. At a depth of 180 feet, pressure shot water, the auger, and shafting over the top of a large sycamore tree. Besides salt, the water contained sulphur, magnesium, and iron, and many used it for its medicinal value. Its constant water supply was not affected by cold, heat, rain, or drought. In 1903, Catlett W. Thompson built the Beula Villa Hotel across from the sulphur well. Its two main buildings had guest rooms and were noted for spacious, wide verandas, and a swinging bridge connected the main veranda to the well. The next owner was King C. Crenshaw. Business thrived until 1960, when Crenshaw’s health failed, and after 65 years of serving the community, the popular hotel closed in 1968.