Mineral springs were discovered in the area by Lancelot Chunn around 1813. James Manning from Madison County operated a hotel at the site from 1818 until 1823. A post office opened in 1834 when the area was known as White Sulphur Springs; the present name was adopted in 1857.
The previous year Jean J. Giers bought the hotel and turned it into a nationally known resort. The hotel finally closed in 1923 and was destroyed by tornado in 1950. The resort is described in some detail in James F. Sulzby's wonderful book, Historic Alabama Hotels and Resorts (1960).
Further Reading
Walde, Megan N.. A 'vale of beauty,' a cornucopia of history. Tiny Valhermoso Springs, where people cam for their health, has a long and storied history. Huntsville Time 30 July 2001
Lawley, Jim. Valhermoso remembers: Healing haven in 1800s awarded historical marker. Decatur Daily 31 July 2001
This advertisement extolling the resort's qualities appeared in the Memphis Daily Appeal 17 May 1873 along with ads for other similar health springs. The ad appeared in numerous issues of that paper in 1872 and 1873.
Source: Library of Congress Chronicling America
Another site in Valhermoso Springs is the First Christian Church property featuring a "Trail of Scriptures" and a shaded picnic area.
