112: Hidden Splendors, Part 1: The West Baden Springs Hotel’s Rise, Fall, and Resurgence

Imagine a structure so grand and pioneering that it earns the title of the "8th Wonder of the World" upon its creation. Hometown History proudly presents the awe-inspiring saga of the West Baden Springs Hotel, whose colossal dome rose above southern Indiana's landscape in 1902, challenging the architectural limits of its era. Join us as we journey through the rise of a resort that captured the nation's imagination with its opulence and the mystique of its mineral springs, touted for healing the elite and the ailing alike. Fast forward to the 21st century, the glory of the West Baden Springs Hotel has not just been restored but celebrated as one of the pinnacle experiences in American hospitality, according to TripAdvisor's high acclaims. This story is a duet of past brilliance and modern luxury, a tale of two sister resorts, West Baden and French Lick, both steeped in the allure of an ancient sulfur spring's purported curative essence. We'll explore the fascinating history of these twin beacons of leisure and health, whose corridors echo with the whispers of a bygone Gilded Age and whose rejuvenation stands as a testimony to historical preservation and the timeless quest for restoration. To unravel more layers of America's grand hotels and the echoes of history they hold, make your next stop at itshometownhistory.com. Stay with us as we reveal how legends of the past shape the landmarks of our present. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.