Bladon Springs State Park

Story

Bladon Springs State Park is a locally managed public recreation area on the site of four mineral springs that were once part of the historic spa at Bladon Springs, Choctaw County, Alabama. Analysis by a state geologist in 1845 found the springs to contain sulfur, iron, magnesium, and calcium. The park came under local control after the state closed it in October 2015. The state park—which had offered a small campground and picnicking facilities—was one of several that were closed or saw curtailment of services in 2015 following state budget cuts.HistoryThe springs bearing the name of the property's first owner, John Bladon, were opened as a spa by James Conner in 1838. Travelers from near and far were drawn by the mineral content of the spring water, which was thought to possess healing qualities. After building cottages that could accommodate one hundred guests, Conner improved his spa in 1846 with a grand Greek Revival–style hotel that could house 200 more people. The structure featured a full-length, two-story veranda across its front, ballroom, bowling alley, billiard room, hotel bar, and skating rink. A latticed pavilion over the principle spring, bath houses, latticed pergola, and croquet court were part of the grounds. The hotel was one of the largest wooden hotels ever built in Alabama and together with the grounds earned for the springs the nickname the "Saratoga of the South."