In April of 1896, a treaty transferred the Shoshone and Arapahoe Tribes' legendary Sacred Springs of Healing to the United States government and subsequently to the state of Wyoming. Upon signing the treaty, Chief Washakie proclaimed, "I have given you the springs, my heart feels good." The Indians referred to this historic event as the gift of Bah Guewana, or the gift of the smoking waters. The hot springs flow forth from the earth at the rate of 18,600,000 gallons per day at a constant temperature of 135 degrees F. These springs contain at least 27 different minerals and possibly date back some seventy million years. Many believe the waters are indeed healing. The Plaza Hotel, due to its unique location within the Hot Springs State Park, is allowed to directly access the "Big Springs" for use in its mineral water spa.