Before you visit Hot Springs National Park, you should know a bit about the city's population and steeples. While this is a city with a booming economy, this is also a great place to see some history. Hot Springs has several historic districts, including Bathhouse Row, Central Avenue, and the infamous Central Avenue. These districts are all well worth seeing. Hot Springs is also home to many historic hotels and motor courts.
In 1673, Father Marquette explored the area and claimed it for France. The 1763 Treaty of Paris ceded the area to Spain, but a new treaty in 1800 returned the land to France. The city grew rapidly, however, and by 1793, it was home to the first settlement. In the early nineteenth century, Dr. George Hunter made an expedition to the area, finding a lone log cabin. Another expedition, made by Dr. William Dunbar, uncovered rudimentary shelters used by people who visited the hot springs for their healing properties. In 1807, Pierre Prudhomme became the first settler of modern Hot Springs. He was soon joined by John Perciful and Isaac Cates.
While Hot Springs has a reputation as a Southern city, it is a cultural destination and a popular retirement destination. It also offers a thriving arts scene. The city is home to the Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. A popular place to live is near the Hot Springs National Park. In fact, Hot Springs has a unique blend of cultures and styles, making it an ideal location for art enthusiasts.