History of Mineral Wells
Founding of Mineral Wells
Mineral Wells' history began in 1877 when James Alvis Lynch and his family, along with 50 head of livestock, left Denison, Texas, seeking a drier climate to alleviate malaria. Both James and his wife, Armanda, suffered from rheumatism. They settled in a valley in Palo Pinto County after receiving news of Comanche attacks further west.
Healing Mineral Water
Shortly after the town was established, several wells were drilled, the most famous being the Crazy Well. This well, now located at the Crazy Water Retirement Hotel, earned its name from a story about an elderly woman who, believed to be mentally unstable, drank from the well twice daily and recovered. The mineral-rich waters of Mineral Wells, containing lithium, attracted tourists in the early 20th century. Bathhouses, pavilions, and spas flourished, and the mineral waters were distributed far and wide. However, the Great Depression and advancements in medicine led to the decline of these businesses. Today, the Famous Mineral Water Company, founded in 1904, remains the sole survivor, offering a taste of the historic mineral waters.
The Baker Hotel
Opened in 1929 during the Roaring Twenties, the Baker Hotel was designed by Texas architect Wyatt C. Hedrick as an international resort destination, capitalizing on the allure of Mineral Wells' mineral waters. For over 25 years, it was one of the most glamorous resorts in the country, frequented by Hollywood legends like Clark Gable, Judy Garland, and Lawrence Welk. Despite its fame, changing demographics led to its closure in 1972. Updates on its restoration can be found at The Baker Hotel and Spa.
Military Heritage
Old Camp Wolters: Established in 1925, Camp Wolters served as a training site for mounted cavalry and later as an Infantry Replacement Center for the U.S. Army during World War II. The camp expanded rapidly and housed German POWs from North Africa. Deactivated after the war, the property was sold in 1965, with much of it donated to nonprofit groups and the local school district.
Fort Wolters: Reactivated as Wolters Air Force Base in 1951, it was later redesignated as Camp Wolters Army Base and eventually renamed Fort Wolters in 1963. It served as the Primary Helicopter Training Center during the Vietnam War, training approximately 40,000 students from 30 countries. Fort Wolters closed in 1973, with most of the property sold off in the 1970s. The National Guard still uses a portion for training purposes.