Sulphur Springs, Alabama Explained

Official Name:Sulphur Springs, Alabama
Pushpin Map:Alabama#USA
Pushpin Label:Sulphur Springs
Pushpin Label Position:right
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Alabama
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:DeKalb
Timezone:Central (CST)
Utc Offset:-6
Timezone Dst:CDT
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Elevation Ft:925
Coordinates:34.6975°N -85.5803°W
Area Code:256
Blank Name:GNIS feature ID

Sulphur Springs is an unincorporated community in DeKalb County, in the U.S. state of Alabama.

History

The community was founded in the late 19th century as a stop on the Alabama Great Southern Railroad. It was named for the springs of sulphur water near the town site.[1] The springs attracted travelers who believed in their health benefits.

Many stayed at the Alabama White Sulphur Springs Hotel, an 80-room hotel and six associated cottages, built by Col. A. B. Hanna in 1871. The hotel was long a popular resort destination, operating until 1929. Competition and the proliferation of private automobiles cut down on tourist traffic.

In addition, that was the year of the Wall Street Crash. The owners donated the hotel and its related property to the YWCA of Chattanooga. It was operated as Camp Elizabeth Lupton by the YWCA until 1953.[2]

A post office called Sulphur Springs was established in 1885, and operated until 1918.[3] It was moved two miles across the state border to Sulphur Springs, Georgia, where the train depot was located that brought the mail. Riders delivered it to the sister town in Alabama.[4]

Notes and References

  1. News: Names often lend special air to places . Gadsden Times . Jun 17, 1984 . 20 May 2015 . Smith Katie . B1.
  2. Book: James Frederick Sulzby. Historic Alabama Hotels and Resorts. 1960. University of Alabama Press. 978-0-8173-5309-4. 4–7.
  3. Web site: De Kalb County . Jim Forte Postal History . 20 May 2015.
  4. Web site: History of Sulphur Springs. Landmarks of Dekalb County, Alabama. The Landmarks Society of Dekalb County. 21 May 2015.