They came first for the healing. Whether it was Native Americans, settlers, or early visitors, the goal was to seek relief at the “Big Spring.” Many came, including Chief Washakie of the Eastern Shoshone, Chief Sharp Nose of the Northern Arapaho, Butch Cassidy and outlaws, Buffalo Bill, and others. The area around the Big Spring became the town of Thermopolis (Hot City), Wyoming, in 1897. Later, the estate of William and Carrie Gottsche of Rock Springs, Wyoming, helped establish a nationally recognized rehabilitation center in Thermopolis. Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt made a brief stop near the springs to affirm his belief (like Washakie and Sharp Nose) that the water could be used for the good of humanity. Today, Hot Springs State Park is host to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. They enjoy the mineral waters that originate at the Big Spring at 125–127 degrees and cool to a comfortable 104 degrees in water parks, hotels, and a state bathhouse. The Big Spring is one of the largest flowing hot mineral springs in the world.
Thomas Schoenewald and Thermopolis native Lea Cavalli Schoenewald have retired in Thermopolis and spend as much time in Hot Springs State Park as possible. They have drawn images from the collection of the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center.