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Hidden in McDonough County near present-day Macomb lies a former resort town with an incredible story. This small but beautiful plot of land has been reinvented many times over, and has picked up an interesting history along the way.
The beautiful midwestern valley, full of bluffs and caves to explore, has long drawn visitors.
Hicks quickly got to work, and opened The Capitol Hotel in 1890. It immediately drew large crowds, and the town of Vishnu Springs quickly sprung up around it.
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The hotel was the pride of the town, until a series of events led to its demise.
A man was crushed to death after falling into the gears of the merry go round. The hotel was being run poorly, and in 1896, Darius's wife passed away. The hotel's fate was sealed when Darius married his stepdaughter and moved away, outraging the community.
The decaying town sat for decades until Ira Post purchased the property in 1935.
He and his wife, Reatha, opened the property to visitors. Even beyond Ira's death, his wife kept it open for others to enjoy. Then, in 1954, she closed the gates to outsiders due to vandalism.
