Known as Pineville in the 1890s, Hot Springs was renamed for the natural hot springs in the region. Located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Sanders County, Montana, the town developed along with another nearby small town, named Camas. As Hot Springs grew, Camas shrank and eventually disappeared, although Hot Springs was known as Camas Hot Springs for years, although that was never officially its name. In 1910, when the area began to be homesteaded, there was one active pool there, with four wooden bathtubs covered by a tent. Before long, a bathhouse was built, with seven bath rooms and eight tubs, with funds raised by the community. As the community grew, more springs were discovered or drilled, and both public and private bathhouses were built, including an elaborate one built in 1948 by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, but it has since closed and serves only as a local landmark. A group of local residents, known as the Cam Redevelopment Company, worked for years to encourage its reopening, but the tribes refused. Hot Springs was incorporated as a town in 1929. Hot Springs is accessed through Montana Highway 28, and is south of Lonepine and northeast of Plains.
Recommended Resources
The vintage 1930s motel is located in the town of Hot Springs, Montana. Guest rooms are highlighted, with photographs, guest testimonials, and information about the town and the hot springs for which it was named. Reservations may be made online.
http://www.alamedashotsprings.com/
Affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Bible Mission, the congregation offers church ministries and worship services throughout the year in Hot Springs, Montana, as well as rural ministry seminars, home fellowship groups, and other programs and events.
http://www.rmbible.org/hotsprings/
Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce
The non-profit organization consists of businesses and professional members who work for the development and economic improvement of the Hot Springs, Montana region. Its web site features a history of the town and a guide to local businesses, attractions, and events.
http://www.hotspringsmtchamber.org/
Locally owned and operated, HSTC is the only telephone company providing service to Hot Springs, Montana. Its calling features, long distance plans, cable television, security services and lifeline certification programs are defined, and policy information is included.
http://www.hotspringsmt.net/
Symes Hot Springs Hotel & Mineral Baths
Fred Symes purchased the property in Hot Springs, Montana in 1929, building a mission-style hotel, and made improvements to it through the mid 1940s. Currently, the facility features thirty-one guest accommodations, as well as ten cabins and convenience apartments, and a hot outdoor mineral flow-through pool in front of the hotel. Directions, amenities, and events are discussed.
http://www.symeshotsprings.com/
