From Mineral Springs to Bed Springs

About the Book

As America matured, the more affluent citizens began to enjoy vacations, prompting the creation of an industry to service that growing segment. Inns and hotels were erected at preferred locations for the vacation crowd. The Southern Appalachian Mountains were ideal vacation destinations due to their breathtaking scenery, the relative ease of access to population centers, the unpolluted air, the recreational opportunities, and the existence of many mineral springs, touted by many entrepreneurs as the "cure for what ails you." -from the Introduction

Spring House located at the Montvale Springs Hotel site.
This and a wide variety of other vintage photographs document the history of a sampling of inns and resorts found in the foothills of the Smokies from the 1700s to the present.

About the Author

After 3 years of researching at many libraries in East Tennessee, and collecting pictures at many different places, listening to oral histories about the different hotels and inns in the area. We have always been interested in local history and genealogy and have done extensive research in these areas. We also enjoy hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, visiting historical places, and preserving out heritage. We both live in Maryville, TN, Paulette is married to David Ledbetter, both of us have two children each and 1 grandchild each.