For more than a century, the world's elite flocked to the resort town of Mt. Clemens, Michigan to soothe their bodies in the ancient healing waters of the Michigan Basin. With 34 essential minerals, Mt. Clemens seawater contains the highest mineral content of any body of water in the world.
Although the glory days of "America's Bath City" are long gone, today's spas and medical researchers are taking a second look at the unique mineral complex of Mt. Clemens water.
In an era before antibiotics and modern drugs, Mt. Clemens drew thousands of people annually to its famous mineral baths. Socialites and celebrities would return year after year to "take the waters" in search of relief from their aches and pains.
The story goes that in 1868 an old horse was put out to pasture to end its days. The poor nag spent its time stomping in the mud and water near some abandoned, leaky salt tanks. Soon the horse was no longer limping and became thoroughly rejuvenated. Thus, they say, was the discovery of the curative powers of the waters under Mt. Clemens.
News of the miracle spread, and soon the rush to Mt. Clemens was underway. Proponents of the baths proclaimed the treatment's miraculous power to relieve the discomfort associated with skin problems, tired muscles and joints, and a number of other ailments. Postcards of the times proudly showed the infirm emerging from the baths free of pain.
The first bath house opened in Mt. Clemens in 1873 and the industry grew steadily, reaching its height of popularity in 1910-1911.
The last remaining bath house closed in 1974. The only remaining well in operation today in Mt. Clemens is owned by Geologix, Inc., manufactures of
Mineral Essentials and
Ache Away.
