History, Location, and Foundation

Location- Hot Springs National Park is in an urban area, surrounding the north end of the city of Hot Springs. It’s literal address is 515 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

Foundation-
Hot Springs National Park first became United States territory in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The first settlers came in 1807 and realized how much potential the park had. It was originally established by congress in 1832 as Hot Springs Reservation, but later became a national park in 1921 because it was prospered as a health spa in the mid-19th century, and claims to be or considers itself the "oldest area in the national park system"  because  President Andrew Jackson set aside the hot springs as a special reservation in 1832, 40 years before Yellowstone National Park became the first national park.

History-
Hot Springs National Park gets its name from the springs found in the park. Native Americans call the park or the area surrounding it “the valley of the Vapors” and was said to have been a neutral territory where the tribes could enjoy its healing waters in peace. In 1832, President Andrew Jackson declared Hot Springs as the first federal reservation. The area changed from a rough frontier town to an elegant spa city within a decade. It featured elegant Victorian-style bathhouses, the last ones being complete in 1888. Soon, the park became popular all over Arkansas and became known as a bathhouse. You can still bathe there to this day on the historic Bathhouse Row. Back in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s, the park used to be a dangerous, urban area. The two most dangerous families that controlled the activities were the Flynns and the Dorans who were constantly fighting over the city’s gaming rights. Hot Springs had a Las Vegas vibe to it, considering all of the casino-type games. Back alleys, hotel rooms, and saloons are where all the card and craps games took place.