Mineral Waters and Pure Mountain Air

This work explores the interconnectivity of Southern Appalachia with other regions of the United States through a historical examination of nearly 40 health resorts that once operated in the area. They were situated in counties across eight states, including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The resorts challenged the long-standing stereotype of Southern Appalachia as an insular and disconnected region. Through their advertised healing properties and recreational amenities, they attracted visitors from across the country and engaged with evolving national trends in medicine, tourism, and leisure. By highlighting how these institutions served as vital nodes of exchange, this work reveals how the region contributed to broader American culture.