Estill Springs

History

"The Estill Springs, half a mile from Irvine, have been celebrated as a watering place and have claim to historic interest that dates by the days of early exploration of Kentucky. The view from the top of Sweet Lick Knob, at the foot of which the white sulphur water gushed out as clear as crystal, is one of the grandest and most romantic known. A large spring house has covered the springs and offered a place of recreation for people interested in obtaining the white sulphur water, famous through the many years for it's health and coolness. Later a large hotel was built, probably in the 1830's, and the area became a well known resort which was visited many times by Henry Clay of Lexington, Major Curtis F. Burnham of Richmond and many other notable Kentuckians, as well as persons from other states.

The first record of the Springs is said to have been written by a Frenchman who, with a party of Indians, marched from what is now the present city of Detroit to the location of Mobile, Alabama. This explorer mentioned it in his journal. The next record is said to have been made by the McAfee party which camped one night on a route of march from the fort at Harrodsburg to Virginia. It is said that Daniel Boone and his companions often stopped at the Springs during their explorations of this area of Kentucky. This Springs property is noted for the large oak and ask trees, many considered to be at least 300 years old, some of which are still standing.

The original Springs tract remained the property of Green Clay of Madison County until his death. The property was then sold by Green Clay's two sons, S.B. and B.J. Clay to isaac Mize. The property has had several owners down through the years and is now in the possession of heirs of Mrs. David Andrew (Lena) Wallace. Mrs. Wallace purchased the Springs property after the hotel burned December 14, 1924, and constructed a colonial brick home where she lived until her death on November 20, 1956.

During the later years in which the hotel and springs were used as a resort, the property was owned by Harvey Riddell, a lawyer, son of the iminent Judge Robert Riddell of Irvine and a brother of Judge Hugh Riddell, also of Irvine. Elliott Riddell, another son of Judge Robert Riddell and his wife, the former Laura Embry, were proprietors of the resort, highly popular under their care. It is said that people came from miles around to attend the parties and dances held in the large ballroom of the Estill Springs Hotel and was always patronized by very high class people. Many love matches were made here.

Estill Springs was the scene of many important happenings. The famed "Old Infantry Volunteers" of the Eighth Regiment was organized there by Colonel Sidney M. Barnes, September 14, 1861, while Colonel Barnes owned the property. Many interesting references to early Civil War happenings at or near Estill Springs have been made.

A Reunion of Morgan's (General John H. Morgan) Men was held at Estill Springs, August 20-22, 1924. Mr. J.B. White, who attended the reunion was the father of Mr. Lena Wallace. Mrs. Margaret White, sister of Mrs. Lena Wallace, presently resides in the original home." - Contributed to the Estill Co., KY Archives by Jen Bawden, Originally written by Bobby Rose in the 1970s, Used here with their permission, Date: 05/16/1999, Accessed 10/10/2020 at [1].

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"Among the many attractive features of Estill County, there is none greater than the Estill Springs. Situated about one-half mile from Irvine, it revels in the glory of the past no less than that of the present. It has for many years been known as the most popular summer resort in the state of Kentucky. Before the war, hundreds of visitors would come early in the spring, bringing their carriages and negroes, and would remain until the fall months drove them home. Henry Clay, it is said, “stood pat” in many a game of “draw” under the shade of the oaks that adorn the grounds. This is certainly the most charming summer resort in these parts. Large and spacious buildings are there for the accommodation of guests. It boasts of the finest ball room in the state. Each year the proprietor employs a fine band of music from some of the Eastern cities, and when the evening shades begin to fall, they proceed to a rustic arbor, from which emanates sweet strains of music for the beguilement of the guests. Every night the ball room is thrown open and they lightly trip the tral-a-loo. The waters of these springs are most excel lent in quality and variety. They have white, red and black sulphur, the finest chalybeate in the world—a great help to those who are afflicted with pulmonary dis eases—limestone, and in fact every kind of water conceivable. The grounds are spacious and are surrounded with scenery that is unsurpassed for beauty in Italy. Bowling alleys, a tennis court, cards, in fact any and all kinds of amusement are furnished. We heartily recommend this place to any one seeking recreation or health."

- Park, E. C. (Elbridge Clark), "History of Irvine And Estill County, Kentucky". [Lexington, Ky.: The Transylvania Printing Co., 1906, p. 9.