George A. Jackson, while prospecting for gold, came  over a ridge while traveling west and saw what he thought was smoke  rising from the valley floor and objects moving about.  He thought it must be an Indian encampment and moved cautiously forward.  He discovered that steam was rising from a mountain spring and sheep were grazing all about.  Later it was learned that different Indian tribes would gather at the springs in peace for a spell and share the healing waters.  The Arapahos called it “edauhoe” for “gem of the rockies”.  That is how Idaho Springs acquired its name. 

In 1863, Dr. Cummings purchased the property and erected a rather flimsy bath house and charged for bathing.  In 1871, he sold it to Harrison Montague, who owned it for many years.  He built a much more substantial bath house and named  it the Ocean Bath House.  It even had a small swimming pool.  It was very popular with Denverites and health enthusiasts.  A small hotel was added.  The venture was prosperous, but he sold it to a group of mining businessmen, who owned the Big Five Tunnel.  Plans were soon drawn up for a larger hotel and swimming pool.  Work began on the large Hot Springs Hotel.  The new hotel was beautiful with a wide, inviting veranda and many tall welcoming light posts.  Upon entering, the space was beautifully furnished with the best that money could buy.  The dining area boasted white table linens, silver, crystal and china settings.  The new kitchen was equipped with every convenience of the day and turned out gourmet meals. The baths were in the basement with a horseshoe shaped tunnel that lead to separate baths for men and women.  There were two masseuses, two masseurs and proper attendants to give the bathers every attention. 

In 1928, the Surety Investment Company took over the management of the Hot Springs Hotel.  At one point in time, they tried to turn the hotel and springs into a non-profit health spa for the infirm.  They had the qualified staff to run it, but the plan never took off.   

In the 1940’s, the hotel was leased to the Harry Hill family.  Shortly before their lease expired, there was a terrible fire.  Fire departments from all neighboring counties were called in.  The north and south ends of the hotel were saved, through their valiant efforts.  The main structure was quickly rebuilt by the owners, the Merrills. 

Over the years, the Indian Hot Springs has changed hands several times and with each new owner came improvements.  Ruth Merrill and her husband ran it for several years, then it was leased to Oscar Stutenroth in 1954.  The next owner was Jim Maxwell, who brought further improvements to the site.  To this day, the Indian Hot Springs is a very popular attraction to the Idaho Springs area and still offers those healing waters.