FEBRUARY 2026 Ghost Towns and History of Montana Newsletter From The Yellowstone Monitor , Feb. 13, 1913 “Taking the Cure” at LaDuke Hot Springs-by Robert V. Goss 2009 The spa, defined as the social aspect of using warm water therapeutically, has a long tradition, not only in this country, but in the world at large. The word itself originated from the famous Espa healing springs in Belgium that have been used since the 14th Century. Balneology, the practice of using natural mineral waters for the treatment and cure of various ailments and maladies, extends back in history to at least the Bronze Age, five thousand years ago. Early Roman and Greek societies were well-known for their public baths and the belief in their healing properties. During the 19th century many famous European spas became popular with the well-to-do as social and cultural gathering spaces, in addition to being meccas for health restoration. In this country, Native Americans “took the cure” for thousands of years Photo Courtesy Yellowstone Gateway Museum Collection The LaDuke Hot Springs Spa Ca 1903 with the swing bridge. before white men set foot on these shores. There is evidence that nearly every major hot spring was utilized by local native populations as a healing center and sacred site. Oft-times these places were considered neutral ground where warring tribes could gather in peace. Taking over these once-sacred locales for themselves, European AmerAccessed via: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
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