Siloam Spring, the Water That Changed Everything - Excelsior Citizen (2024)

It’s 1880 and in a few short years A. W. Wyman’s farm fields would become unrecognizable to those who lived there before the discovery of Siloam Spring, the first and arguably most famous of the 40 famous mineral springs in what would eventually become the nationally-renowned town of Excelsior Springs.

Many people are familiar with the history and the lore surrounding the public discovery of the spring that started it all, Siloam Spring. The names of the cured individuals and their stories may differ depending on the sources, but they all share one common theme: healing. The exact nature of the ailments is sometimes difficult to ascertain, as some stories simply mention that someone was cured. However, some accounts specify skin afflictions or gastrointestinal issues. While some people provided specific details about their illness and subsequent cure, again, others are just anecdotes, lacking any documentation. Nonetheless, thousands, perhaps even millions, have claimed to be cured by the local mineral spring waters of Excelsior Springs.

Early settlers reportedly avoided Siloam Spring’s water due to its red color which led them to consider it could be poisonous. Later it was learned that the red coloration was attributed to high levels of iron and manganese found in the water.

The stories surrounding the public discovery of Siloam Spring primarily come from oral tradition and folklore, with some documentation to support them. The information for this article was gathered from various sources, including the Excelsior Springs Museum And Archives and publications such as “Water: A Unique Heritage,” “America’s Haven of Health, Excelsior Springs, Missouri’s National Health Resort,” the “Martin City Telegraph” by Diane Euston, “The Kansas City Star and Times,” and other local news outlets. Some information was also obtained from newspapers of the time, although specific names were not always noted.

Personal accounts and memories from individuals were also used. At the time of the initial discovery, nobody could have anticipated that their experiences and recollections would be passed down for decades, ultimately contributing to the documentation of Siloam Spring’s history.

There are two main discovery stories of Siloam Spring, which you may be familiar with in their original form or with slight variations. One story involves Travis Million (sometimes spelled Mellion), who reportedly cured his daughter’s tuberculosis by having her drink and bathe in the water. Other versions suggest that Travis himself received the water cure, while some mention his daughter being cured of a skin affliction.

Another story centers around Frederick Kugler, a resident living near the spring, who used the water of Siloam Spring to heal an old Civil War wound on his leg. He’s said to have not only imbibed the waters but also packed his leg with mud from the spring. According to some accounts, he also used the mud to treat his horse’s injury, resulting in a successful cure.

Additionally, there is a tale of a farmer who believed there were no limits to how much Siloam Spring water one should drink in one sitting. The Famer allegedly consumed a gallon in a single afternoon and suffered the consequences. Nevertheless, the allure was always the water and its healing properties. (Ingesting excessive amounts of iron and manganese in water may lead to gastrointestinal problems such as stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.)

Initially, local residents would bring cups or jars to collect water directly from the spring source. Eventually, a keg was inserted into the mud, and later a pump was installed, accompanied by the construction of a platform. Over time, the platform was rebuilt and became a natural gathering place. Some individuals would come and have picnics nearby, adding a social aspect to the attraction. Photos of the time give a feeling of a bucolic and romantic aura – it had to be an exciting event for people to travel to the spring and stay for the day – entertainment that was sorely needed. In fact, the Siloam Spring area quickly transformed into an entertainment venue and instigated a transformational moment for the “Vally of Vitality.”

**This article was produced through the generous assistance of our friends at the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives, where the history of Excelsior Springs comes to life! Be sure to stop by and visit them at 101 E Broadway Ave, Excelsior Springs, MO