The West Baden Springs Hotel: A History of Resilience

One of the nation's most unique landmarks can be found in Indiana's picturesque Orange County. The West Baden Springs Hotel, constructed in 1902, was considered a groundbreaking architectural achievement at the time. It held the title of the world's largest self-supported dome until the Houston Astrodome was built sixty years later. Despite its historical significance, many are still unaware of its existence, but every year new visitors are drawn to its grandeur through word of mouth.

Upon entering the hotel's grand atrium for the first time, visitors can't help but gaze upward as natural light floods the rounded structure. The atrium boasts a stunning display of skylights, murals, and a magnificent chandelier at its center, creating a spectacle that is impossible to ignore. The bustling atrium is always filled with people, and guests in the unique rooms facing into the central hub enjoy a one-of-a-kind view.

It may come as a surprise that such a beautiful building, located just a few hundred yards from Highway 56, operates with little fanfare. The West Baden Springs Hotel has survived by adapting to changing circumstances and a stroke of good luck. After a portion of the building collapsed, preservationists intervened to ensure its survival. The building required significant stabilization efforts to prevent further deterioration, a task that proved to be both challenging and costly.

The fate of the hotel rested in the hands of the people of Orange County, who ultimately decided its future. Their votes determined whether gambling would return to the Springs Valley, a decision that would impact the hotel's reopening. Many individuals played a role in saving this magnificent landmark, making sure it rose from the ashes of 1902.

For more information on the history of the area, be sure to explore the book "Pluto in the Valley," which chronicles the story of the French Lick Springs Hotel. The West Baden Springs Hotel stands as a testament to the perseverance and dedication of those who worked to preserve its beauty.

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