Jerry Summers: Mineral Park Springs (1899-1933)

  • Wednesday, September 2, 2020
  • Jerry Summers
Jerry Summers
Jerry Summers

If you ever get off the freeway and travel Highway 11 to the base at White Oak Mountain about three miles up the Old Lee Highway between Ooltewah and Cleveland, you will come to the location of what was once a venue for patrons of around six mineral springs that were popular for medicinal and healing purposes.

Supposedly after the Civil War and during the Reconstruction Period several local retreats were built to take advantage of the rumors that the mineral springs had healing powers that combined with prayers could cure many health ailments.

Families from Bradley County, Hamilton County and the Lost County of James would travel to the springs to soak in the healing waters.            

Mineral Park came into being around 1899 and the Inn was constructed in 1910. The facility contained 23 rooms and a dance pavilion.  In addition to the Inn there were also several cabins on the property that could be rented for reasonable rates that also included modern improvements.

The two-story hotel had an advantage of being located close to the railroad tracks that connected Chattanooga with Cleveland.  A level wood plank walkway led from where the Southern Railroad would stop to allow passengers to disembark.  This was a big advantage over the other hotels that were located further away and up a steep hill.            

Specifically, the springs were located 18 miles east from Chattanooga on the Lee Highway. 

The resort also provided three meals daily and long distance telephone service. On the weekends rates were lower and entertainment and music was performed each Saturday. An enclosed shed to store the patrons' autos was also available.            

From 1910-1912, Mineral Park was the location for the campgrounds of the Ocoee Baptist Association.  The assemblage would often include over 500 attendees. At the initial 1910 gathering a number of preachers of the Baptist faith as well as other denominations took part. The park made elaborate preparations, which included the construction of a tabernacle on the grounds.  The success of the first meeting resulted in the group returning for two more years.            

In 1931, Sheriff O.L. Lawson of Bradley County purchased part of the property, which included a barn, houses and fixtures, and he began to operate the Mineral Park property. Sheriff Lawson remodeled many areas and converted a dance hall into a Sunday School room. Plans were to convert the hotel into a tourist home and summer resort for religious gatherings for various denominations.  Unfortunately, the popular resort came to a sad end in March of 1933 when a fire erupted in the south wing of the hotel and quickly spread through the entire wooden structure.

As a further setback, the mineral springs were covered to make room for utility lines. Later the park went into further disrepair and the premises became a popular venue for men to congregate to drink and fight. This led to the permanent closing of the park.            

It came as a further disappointment to those who claimed that Mineral Springs was in the now non-existent James County.  The property directly on the county line is now listed on the tax map and deeds for Bradley County.    

* * *

Jerry Summers

(If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact Mr. Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com  

Happenings
Vintage Base Ball Opening Day For Chattanooga Clubs Is April 6
Vintage Base Ball Opening Day For Chattanooga Clubs Is April 6
  • 3/28/2024

The Lightfoot Club of Chattanooga and the Mountain City Club of Chattanooga will begin the 2024 season of vintage base ball (yep, two words) on the historic 6th Calvary polo field (6 Barnhardt ... more

4 Bridges Arts Festival Returns April 20-21
  • 3/28/2024

The Association for Visual Arts will present the 24th Annual 4 Bridges Arts Festival at the First Horizon Pavilion on the southside of downtown Chattanooga this April. The festival will take ... more

Volunteers Needed for American Battlefield Trust Park Day
  • 3/28/2024

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is seeking volunteers for American Battlefield Trust Park Day. Sign-up will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 6 at the intersection of Woodland ... more