Buffalo Springs

Between 1817 and 1949, nearby Buffalo Springs hosted guests from across the country, promising good health from its mineral waters. The springs prospered after Thomas F. Goode (1825–1905) acquired ownership in 1874, improved the resort, and promoted the lithia water from Spring No. 2 as a cure-all. The resort boasted hotels, cabins, golf, bowling, horseback riding, tennis, dancing, and meals with spring water. Although the resort and the bottling of “Buffalo Lithia Water” eventually declined, the sale of water continued until 1949. In 1950, the site was acquired for the John H. Kerr Reservoir, which periodically inundates the property.