Basin Spring Park

Basin Spring the legendary Indian healing spring known to Native Americans and early pioneer settlers, is the heart of Eureka Springs. The first crowds of health seekers encamped here in 1879. Drawn by the promise of near miraculous cures, the city was named on this site July 4, 1879. The first governing body, the Committee of Twelve was elected here in August 1879. The first townsite survey was platted with the spring and surrounding reservation of protected land as its centerpiece. A plan of lots, blocks and streets, extending in all directions, encompassed many other nearby springs.

In 1890, the Eureka Springs Board of Public Affairs created a formal setting for the spring with limestone walls, fountains, and walks. About 1921, the original wood gazebo was replaced with the band-shell still regularly used for public performances. Following World War I, the “Doughboy” statue was placed as a memorial to local men who served their country.