Mineral Springs

1840 - Domestic Event

For over 100 years, well-to-do people from North Carolina and surrounding states visited mineral springs resorts for relaxation and better health. Drinking and bathing in water from mineral springs was believed to combat rheumatism, skin diseases and digestive problems, which were very common at the time. Since people ate diets low in fruits, vegetables and fiber, constipation was a frequent complaint for nearly everyone. Drinking large quantities of mineral water had a mild laxative effect. That and the dissolved minerals otherwise lacking in their bodies probably did make people feel better.

The rising popularity of water therapy, or hydropathy, made mineral springs resorts attractive vacation destinations. Resorts cropped up at Kittrell Springs in southern Vance County, Rockingham Mineral Springs in Richmond County, Fuquay Springs in Wake County and several other spots. They offered elegant surroundings, entertainment and conversation as well as access to the waters.

After World War I, automobiles gave people the freedom to make short day trips instead of staying at hotels. Gradually, the resorts disappeared. Although the last hotel closed in the 1950s, one spa continues to operate today at Hot Springs in Madison County. Guests still soak in hot tubs of water from a natural hot spring that maintains a year-round temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. And thousands still visit North Carolina’s mineral springs, taking the water home in milk jugs and pickle jars.

Mt. Vernon Springs, one of many North Carolina resorts where “taking the waters” was promoted for good health.

What's in the Water

Waters from mineral springs are rich in dissolved gases and minerals essential to good health—calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. Mineral water generally starts as rainfall. As it falls to the earth, it absorbs oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and other gases. Then it soaks into the ground, taking in solid compounds from soil and rocks.

Long before the rise of health spas, people in North Carolina drank water from mineral springs as a way to relieve symptoms, cure illness and promote general good health. Native Americans recognized the healing qualities of mineral springs, and European colonists brought with them a long tradition of drinking and bathing in mineral waters. Mineral springs resorts developed as a continuation of these older traditions.

Since many people couldn’t afford to go to luxurious resorts, the springs came to them in the form of bottled water. Today we think of expensive bottled water as a part of the contemporary fitness trend. But packaged mineral water came on the market as early as the 1880s, sold by companies such as Seven Springs Mineral Water Company in Goldsboro, Wayne County, and Red Springs Mineral Water Company in Robeson County.

Many North Carolinians continue to use mineral water for drinking and cooking. They attribute their good health to drinking mineral water over the years for a variety of health problems. Some say these waters are especially good for the kidneys and arthritis symptoms.

Several companies bottled and marketed mineral springs water in the late 1800s and early 1900s.