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| Landmark #980 | Mendocino County | Visited: August 2, 2014 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A relaxing mineral spring that has been in use for centuries! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Frank Marble discovered these springs in 1848, and William Day established a resort here in the 1850s. Ukiah Vichy represents one of the oldest and one of the few continuously operating mineral springs in California. Its waters remain among the most important of the thermal, alkaline-carbonated waters once so highly valued by both European and American believers in hydropathy. It is the only mineral springs in California that resembles the famed Grand Grille Springs of Vichy, France.
OTHER TIDBITS: The local Pomo had used these springs for thousands of years to treat all sorts of skin and joint ailments, including gout, arthritis, and eczema, and they were largely ignored by non-natives until the Gold Rush! After Frank Marble “discovered” the springs, squatters on this Mexican rancho began to capitalize on them. Ultimately, when the USA took over California, rancho owner Cayetano Juarez hired Colonel William Doolan to sell parcels of his rancho to the squatters. However, Doolan wanted the springs for himself and ended up taking over custody of them from William Day! He developed “Doolan’s Ukiah Vichy Springs,” becoming the second wealthiest man in all of Mendocino County and host to presidents and other dignitaries over the years! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: 2701 Vichy Springs Rd Ukiah, CA 95482 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~490mi (789km) — 8.2hrs |
| When should I go? | Unless you’re staying for the night, the springs are open every day from 9:00 AM until dusk! |