Tuscan Springs

Tuscan Springs are a group of springs in the U.S. state of California. Tuscan Springs was named for the fact its borax-impregnated waters were chemically similar to the springs of Tuscany, in Italy.

History
Tuscan Springs is considered the site of the "first discovery of borax on the American continent" on January 8, 1856, by Dr. John A. Veatch. While evaporating water from the springs he identified the mineral, eventually producing several pounds but not enough to be commercially valuable; also, "free boric acid [was] found as an efflorescence around the springs."

In 1907 a book published by California boosters described the springs and associated resort hotel as being located in "an ancient crater whose fires went out many thousands of years ago. Within this huge punch-bowl, at an altitude of a thousand feet above sea-level, are located the Tuscan Springs and hotel. The springs are nine miles east from Red Bluff...and are easily reached from all points. A daily stage runs from Red Bluff to the springs, and on the spot there are telegraph, telephone, and post-office facilities. The $60,000 hotel rises on a slight eminence within the crater. The interior of the tavern is not excelled by that of any hotel or resort in Northern California. All accommodations that are to be had in metropolitan cities are provided here. All important periodicals are on file, mail service daily, telephone communication to any part of the State, and every convenience that makes for the comfort of guests." In 1916 a guidebook to California health resorts stated, "There are over 20 springs here, but only three are used for drinking, while the fourth, or 'Fountain Spring,' supplies the bath-house and swimming-pool. The waters are all strongly saline and strongly sulphuretted and all but the 'Natural Gas Spring' are rich in Sodium and Potassium Salts."