Travel: Hot Springs, Arkansas
We traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where I did some research on Mobster Owney Madden
Hot Springs, Arkansas from its inception was a place of healing. A place sacred to the native peoples of the region.
A place where the hot springs were captured and incorporated into bath houses.
A place where the Federal Government set up a national park in order to protect the springs.
Many businesses set up shop to cater to the folks who came to Hot Springs for healing.
But, other types of businesses and other types of relaxation came as well.
Thanks to Mayor McLaughlin, Hot Springs was open to drinking, prostitution and gambling during the days when other parts of the country were shut down.
Then, came Owney Madden who really classed up the joint and brought other gangsters to town, including Al Capone. Many notorious mobsters of the era enjoyed vacationing here because they were left alone and allowed to walk freely. Mayor McLaughlin and the police did not bother them.
Well, that’s a little history.
Today, Hot Springs was a pretty cool place to visit as well. It’s a lot like a city that is a resort. Downtown in the historic…
