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| Truth or Consequences Hot Mineral Springs | ||
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Because of the hot mineral
springs which issued from the ground, the site of the present Truth
or Consequences was considered "neutral grounds" by the Southwestern
Indians long before white settlement of the area. Here they gathered
without conflict for the inter-tribal exchange and to bathe their wounds
and other ailments. During the latter half of the 1800's, two
great ranches were established across the southern part of the area
now covered by Sierra County. Cowboys from one of these ranches,
the John Cross Ranch, built the first adobe bath house over Geronimo
Spring. The first homestead entry in what is known as Truth or Consequences was filed in 1910. With the beginning of the construction of Elephant Butte Dam in 1911, the settlement of Palomas Hot Springs (now Truth or Consequences) began to grow. It was incorporated as a town in 1916, the year of the completion of the Dam. It developed as a health resort and trading center for nearby mining, farming, and stock raising areas. It was made the county seat in 1936. Photos and Text: Courtesy of LaRena Miller, "A Visitors Guide to the Geronimo Trail" Click Photos to Enlarge |
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1 The earliest known photo of people enjoying the health benefits of our Hot Mineral Springs. Thought to be from the 1860's or 70's, the photo shows that the therapeutic benefits of the Hot Springs have been long known. |
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2 This old structure, one of the first to be built in what is now downtown Truth or Consequences, was a bathhouse believed to be built by the John Cross Cattle Co. for use by its cowboys. A date burned into the ceiling with a branding iron read 1882. |
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3 One of the first bath houses and hotels built in Hot Springs, located somewhere in what is now the Main Street area of present day Truth or Consequences. |
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4 From the early 1900's, the Hot Mineral Springs baths and Hotels started developing into popular and permanent businesses. |
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5 The Cottage Hotel 1912, was operated by Mrs. William Graham. This was the first hotel built in Palomas Springs. |
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6 Circa 1930, the building in the center of the photo is the Old State Bathhouse. This bathhouse is what developed from the original structure in photo 2. |
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7 By the 1940's the building were becoming larger and much more popular as word of the Hot Mineral Springs therapeutic benefits spread World Wide. |
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8 Believed to be from the 1950's or 60's this post card is evidence of how these modern bathhouses and hotels reflected the styles of the times. This post card is from the Charles Hotel & Bathhouse. |
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9 This is the Charles Motel and Bathhouse today. Still reflecting the styles of the times, the present day Hot Mineral Springs Hotels and Bathhouses in Truth or Consequences offer one thing that will never go out of style. Healthy, Therapeutic Hot Mineral Springs baths & warm, friendly, hospitality. |
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is Highly Recommended you visit one of the Fine Hotels & Bathhouses Located in Truth or Consequences, the next time you visit our area. You will then understand the popularity of the Hot Mineral Springs that has endured for hundreds of years. For Information or to Contact one of the Establishments Listed Below Click on the Link to the Right |
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