French Lick and West Baden Springs: A Pictorial History
This hardcover volume from Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series documents the fascinating history of two legendary Indiana resort hotels. The book chronicles generations of visitors who discovered the French Lick-West Baden region, drawn by tales of exploration, ambition, philanthropy, and the foul-smelling mineral water that promised miraculous healing properties.
Historic Hotels of Southern Indiana
The French Lick Hotel, founded by William Bowles in 1845, and the West Baden Hotel, founded by John Lane in 1855, both established national standards for elegance and luxury. This pictorial history captures how these establishments became comfortable refuges for tycoons and gangsters in this secluded corner of Indiana.
Through carefully curated vintage photographs and historical documentation, the book reveals the challenges these grand hotels faced during the Great Depression and war years. The once-posh properties fell into decline and disrepair, their grandeur fading until a remarkable restoration in the 1990s brought them back to life.
Resort Revival and Modern Era
Today's visitors come seeking championship golf courses, spa treatments, and casino gaming in two lavishly restored hotels reminiscent of their original glory. This volume documents the complete journey from mineral springs discovery through modern resort destination.
Jerry Copas is a native of southern Indiana with a longtime fascination for the colorful history of the French Lick-West Baden region. His interest began with his first encounter with the crumbling and deserted West Baden Hotel in the 1980s, leading to this comprehensive pictorial documentation.
Part of Arcadia Publishing's respected Images of America series, this hardcover edition preserves regional heritage through historical photographs and detailed narrative, making it essential reading for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in Indiana's resort heritage.
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French Lick and West Baden Springs: A Pictorial History
This hardcover volume from Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series documents the fascinating history of two legendary Indiana resort hotels. The book chronicles generations of visitors who discovered the French Lick-West Baden region, drawn by tales of exploration, ambition, philanthropy, and the foul-smelling mineral water that promised miraculous healing properties.
Historic Hotels of Southern Indiana
The French Lick Hotel, founded by William Bowles in 1845, and the West Baden Hotel, founded by John Lane in 1855, both established national standards for elegance and luxury. This pictorial history captures how these establishments became comfortable refuges for tycoons and gangsters in this secluded corner of Indiana.
Through carefully curated vintage photographs and historical documentation, the book reveals the challenges these grand hotels faced during the Great Depression and war years. The once-posh properties fell into decline and disrepair, their grandeur fading until a remarkable restoration in the 1990s brought them back to life.
Resort Revival and Modern Era
Today's visitors come seeking championship golf courses, spa treatments, and casino gaming in two lavishly restored hotels reminiscent of their original glory. This volume documents the complete journey from mineral springs discovery through modern resort destination.
Jerry Copas is a native of southern Indiana with a longtime fascination for the colorful history of the French Lick-West Baden region. His interest began with his first encounter with the crumbling and deserted West Baden Hotel in the 1980s, leading to this comprehensive pictorial documentation.
Part of Arcadia Publishing's respected Images of America series, this hardcover edition preserves regional heritage through historical photographs and detailed narrative, making it essential reading for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in Indiana's resort heritage.
