Native American called it the Valley of Vapors, and the first European to be introduced to it was Hernando de Soto (a Conquistador). For thousands of years Native Americans used the Hot Springs for it health benefits. Its healing powers even helped foster peace between different Native American tribes as they agreed to peace while using the hot springs. It wasn’t until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 the U.S. found the area.
On this day April 20th, in 1832, the first national park is established by Congress; however, it was originally called Hot Springs Reservation. It was not until March 4, 1921 that it was actually called a National Park, but for intents and purposes, it was the first national park.
Hot Springs National Park brings in well over a million visitors each year. Many visitors utilize the natural hot springs to ease pain of arthritis, amongst other ailments. It is the smallest national park, as it is only 5,000 acres – compare that to something like Yellowstone Park which is over 2 million acres. Hot Springs National Park is accessible to many because it’s attached to the city Hot Springs which was incorporated in 1951.