History of Mineral Wells
Mineral Wells, TX
Mineral Wells traces
its roots (and name) back to the mineral springs discovered along the
"Goodnight-Loving Trail" of the mid 1800s.
The major role players in the history of the town are the Famous Mineral
Water, the 452-room Baker Hotel, Fort Wolters Base and the train depot.
Famous
Mineral Water Company
In the spring of 2004
the Famous Mineral Water Co. celebrated it's 100th Anniversary.
Located at
200 N.W. 6th Street
, visitors can still purchase a variety of its mineral waters, soaps, crazy
crystals, and ice cream. The Famous
Mineral Water Co. provides Steam players with their in-game water and fans at
Steam games can taste the history of Mineral Wells by purchasing the
water at
the concession stand.
The
Baker Hotel
In 1927 the 14-story,
452-room Baker Hotel which was modeled after the Arlington Hotel of Hot Springs,
Arkansas was built. Today it serves
as the landmark and centerpiece of Mineral Wells.
Before closing in 1972 it served as the home-away-from-home for such celebrities
as Lawrence Welk, Judy Garland, Clark Gable, The Three Stooges, Roy Rodgers,
Dale Evans and, under alias', Bonnie and Clyde who visited the town because of
its famed mineral water.
Fort
Wolters Base
In 1921
Fort
Wolters
was created as the infantry replacement center for The Texas National Guard.
It served many purposes up through the time of the Viet Nam
War. During this last stage it was
the U.S. Army's last training stop for helicopter pilots before being deployed
to the war.
Train
Depot
In 1910 the Weatherford,
Mineral Wells, and Northwestern Depot was built in Mineral Wells primarily for
the shipping of mineral water and crazy crystals.
It is located at
403 South Oak Street
and is home to a law firm, title company and the Texas Frontier Trails office.
As the Steam's namesake, the steam engines that frequented this depot
hold a special place with the Steam organization.