Blue Springs State Park

For the similarly named state park in Florida, see Blue Spring State Park.
Blue Springs State Park
Alabama State Park
Country United States
State Alabama
County Barbour
Elevation 302 ft (92 m) [1]
Coordinates 31°39′41″N 85°30′27″W / 31.66139°N 85.50750°W / 31.66139; -85.50750Coordinates: 31°39′41″N 85°30′27″W / 31.66139°N 85.50750°W / 31.66139; -85.50750 [1]
Area 103 acres (42 ha)
State purchase 1963
Management Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Location in Alabama
Website: Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located 7 miles (11 km) east of Clio in Barbour County, Alabama.[2] The 103-acre (42 ha) state park features a clear blue, natural underground spring that pumps 3,600 US gallons (14,000 l) of water per hour into two concrete-ringed swimming pools.[3]

History

Harrison's Hotel built in 1890 was among the first efforts to turn the village of Blue Springs into a health spa. Ten years later, J.T.E. Whigham began work on the Blue Springs Hotel, which eventually featured 28 rooms and modern bathhouse. In 1913, the spring pool was lined with concrete and another smaller pool designed for use by children was added to the site. The area became a popular spot for political rallies, three-day horse-trading events, and annual reunions of Confederate soldiers. The large pool remained in operation until about 1938.[4][5] J.D. McLaughlin sold the property to the state for the creation of a state park in 1963.[3]

Activities and amenities

References

  1. 1 2 "Blue Springs State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. 1 2 "Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  3. 1 2 Thomas V. Ress (August 5, 2015). "Blue Springs State Park". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Alabama Humanities Foundation. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  4. Sulzby, James Frederick (1960). Historic Alabama Hotels and Resorts. Tuscaloosa, Ala.: The University of Alabama Press. p. 70-73. ISBN 0-8173-5309-7. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  5. "History: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  6. "Swimming: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  7. "Fishing: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  8. "Pavlions: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  9. "Playground: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  10. "Volleyball: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.

External links

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