People

People of "Ral City" on Hot Springs Mountain, 1878 National Park Service image from HOSP archives Humans have been coming to this area for thousands of years to quarry the Novaculite stone found on the hilltops and to partake of the hot and cold spring water flowing from the ground. Europeans first came to stay beginning in the early 1800s, mostly to soak in the supposedly healing geothermal waters coming out of Hot Springs Mountain. Others came later to work in the bathhouses or in nearby businesses associated with the bathing industry. Explore this section to learn more about the people involved in the history of Hot Springs National Park. You can also read and hear stories about the men and women who worked in the bathhouses as employees, bringing the national park's thermal waters to millions of visitors. Read about the roles of African Americans in the bathing industry. These are excerpts from an interactive kiosk program at the park visitor center.   Notable Individuals Dr. Timothy L. Bottoms Dr. Timothy L. Bottoms (1917-2003) was the Chiropodist, or foot-health specialist, on the staff of the Fordyce Bathhouse in the late 1950s. James A. Cary The first park ranger in NPS history to be killed while on duty, on March 12, 1927. Samuel Fordyce Businessman and railroad magnate Samuel Wesley Fordyce (1840-1919) was a key figure in the early development and promotion of Hot Springs. Benjamin F. Kelley Benjamin Franklin Kelley (1807-1891) was the first superintendent of Hot Springs Reservation, arriving in October 1877. Donald S. Libbey Donald Smith Libbey (1892-1959) served as Superintendent of Hot Springs National Park three times. William G. Maurice St. Louis native William Gilbert Maurice (1859-1927) first came to Hot Springs in 1870. He and his father opened the Maurice Bathhouse. Henry M. Rector Henry Massie Rector was a bathhouse owner and politician who presided over Hot Springs's brief period as the state capitol of Arkansas. Robert R. Stevens Robert Radcliff Stevens (1855-1931) was the career United States Army officer in charge of overall improvement of Hot Springs Reservation.   Living History: Visit & Learn More Historic Places