Mississippi is known for many things, but a worldwide destination for spas isn’t one of them. However, at one time, that’s exactly what the state was known for. Not your typical spas, the spas that garnered Mississippi worldwide fame were centered around mineral springs, which were believed to have healing powers for an array of ailments.

One of Mississippi’s first luxury spas, Cooper’s Well Resort opened just outside of Raymond in the mid-1800s.
Forrest Lamar Cooper/Wikimedia
In the years that followed, several other spas opened throughout the state, including the Ramsey Springs Hotel near Wiggins, Mineral Springs Hotel in Iuka, and Stafford Mineral Springs and Hotel in Vossburg.
Basically 5-star resorts, the spas were known for their top-notch amenities and lavish parties.
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The biggest draw of the spas, though, was that they were built near natural springs with “healing” waters.
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Wealthy people from all around the world trekked to Mississippi to take advantage of the healing powers from the springs' waters.
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One report regarding Ramsey Springs Hotel stated that, by 1896, people "came by the hundreds" to heal their stomach problems, kidney ailments, blood diseases, and assorted liver and skin diseases.
Forrest Lamar Cooper/Wikimedia
Opened in 1902, Stafford Mineral Springs and Hotel not only attracted huge crowds, but it also sold jugs of its famous water to people as far away as California and New York.
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The Great Depression, along with advances in medical care, brought an end to the spa craze.
Woodlot/Wikimedia
Today, a few of the springs still flow, including Cooper’s Well. The mineral springs in Iuka are also still flowing and are now the centerpiece of Mineral Springs Park.
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So, have you heard of these springs and resorts? Did you know about Mississippi’s past as a worldwide destination for spas? Tell us!

This is just one interesting part of the state’s history. Click here to read about another.

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