Knoxville Whig and chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1875-1882, 1875-07-21
FROM RHEA COUNTY.
SULPHUR SPRINGS,
kHEA COUNTY, TENN.
July ION. 1875.

July 10th, 1875
To the Editors Of the Chronicle
Those thoroughly acquainted with the
diversified character OF our mountains
and plains, hills aud dales, valleys
and streams, aud The unlimited extent
and richness of our minerals, are at no
loss to account for the fine climate,
native wealth and magnificent scenery
which so pre-eminently distinguish
our Switzerland of America"
have often had occasion to lament
over the fact that so little was known
comp ratively of the true character OF
East Tennessee believing, n 1 have
long done, that the extent aud variety
of its natural advantages were beyond
computation Your efforts for the
last few years to disseminate
throughout the country, through the
columns of your widely-circulatedp pa
per, valuable Information in regard to
its great advantages have been highly
appreciated in many quarters, aud en-
title you to the gratitude of all its
beneticiaries.
Since my sojOurn here for the last
few weeks L have been led to notice
more particularly the advantages Of
our mountain country as place Of
resort for valitudinarians. Perhaps no
section OF country on the continent
could be found where nature has been
more lavish with her mineral trea-
sures; and then, as if to invite and al
lure, she has chosen to make these
deposits in the most desirable part
OF the country, possessing a
mild and delightful temperature,
midway between the cold regions
of the North and the hot regions Of the
South, and at a sufficient altitude to
secure salubrious atmosphere, kept
pure 10y the perpetual stirring and
tanning among her everlasting hills of
the gentle breezes of heaven.
There is not probably single county
in East Tennessee without its mineral
springs; and in many of them these
springs have been found TO possess 80
much medical value as to lead to eX-
tensive and handsome improvements
for the accommodation of large num-
bers of invalids and visitors, so that we
are gaining just and wide notOriety
for aflording the most valuable and
delightful watering places.
This place (Rhea Springs has
already some prominence, but
is not, as l think, rs well known
and as highly appreciated as it ought
to be. There is only one other spring,
that | am acquainted with, in the
country, which possesses the same val
liable properties, and that is the cele-
brated Tate Spring in Granger coul-
ty.
Chattanooga finds this a convenient
and profitable place of resort, only 60
miles by the river, with fine steamboat
accommodations always available. Soon
there will be additional facilities for
reaching it, as the Cincinnati Southern
Railroad will descend this beautiful
valley, passing within mile or two
of the Springs.
Already there is Il nice little village
here, which promises to grow very
rapidly in view of the approaching
railroad. Although the weather has
been unfavorable for Spring going,
yet we have corners ana gOers,
and sufficient number are present to
form pleasant society and make
things lively. Chattanooga, Knox
vile, Athens, and some other points
IN East tennessee, are represented,
while Kentucky, Ohio, and even Cali
fornia, have afforded visitors.
Music and dancing are considered in
order at least once a week, and the eX-
ercise is greatly relished by those par
ticipating in it-mostly in their teens.
The continuous rains have caused
serious damage to wheat in this part of
the country, and farmers are uneasy
for fear the corn Will outgrow itself.
The hotel here is of good size, con-
veniently arranged, and is well kept
by the new proprietOrs-the Messrs.
Drury. G. A. r.