|
 It
all started on a typical July day back in 1869 and it was one of
those happy accidents that can change the course of events for years
to come. The town of St. Louis, Michigan was drilling a well
in hopes of tapping into an underground source of brine. They
hoped to evaporate the water away and have a harvest of salt that
could be sold. They hit water alright and there was enough
pressure to ensure a good flow but it wasn't brine. It was
water with magnetic qualities and it lead to a boom unlike any other
in the history of Michigan. Not only would this water
magnetize metallic objects, it apparently had amazing curative
properties that were so effective in restoring health that
thousands of people made their way to St. Louis. Michigan to
take the curative baths. This miraculous well vaulted St.
Louis into the national spotlight within a few months and prepared
the way for fifty years of growth. Celebrities came for the cures
including General Joe Hooker, Allan Pinkerton and Salmon P. Chase.
The documented cures were so numerous that they entire area became a
boomtown almost over night. At a time when roads were mere
tracks and railroads were still scarce, St. Louis had a regular
newspaper and received mail 24 times per week. There were
churches, a community library and first class accommodations at
several establishments. An opera house was opened with the
largest self supporting roof in the state during the building boom
of 1881. From the Magnetic Springs Hotel it was a short way to
the baths where you could plunge, steam, herb or Turkish for no more
than one dollar, and thousands did. The economic impact can't be
overstated. During the 1880's mineral spas popped up in towns
all over the state like Alma and Leslie. The magnetic spring
water from St. Louis wasn't just for bathing. Drinking it
produced results as well and thousands of gallons were bottled and
sold all over the country for more than 70 years. Eventually
times changed and the travel and medical practices changed.
St. Louis is still there and growing but the miracle well and the
spas are gone. If you want to know more about this amazing chapter
in Michigan history, check out the book, "The Saratoga of the West"
by David McMacken. It is available from the St. Louis Chamber
of Commerce.
www.stlouismi.com .
St. Louis is a designated
Terrific Town |
