This geocache is a small bison located in Malvern Hills Park. It's well hidden so probably not a park and grab!
Malvern Hills has an interesting history. In 1827 Robert Henry discovered sulphur springs, and within 3 years a hotel was built above the springs in what is now Malvern Hills. The "healing waters" were very popular and many wealthy southern planters visited the Sulpher Springs Hotel during summers. By the 1840s there were around 500 visitors to the hotel, cabins and its waters each season.
In 1841 the hotel burned to the ground and wasn't rebuilt until after the Civil War and reconstruction. The hotel was finally rebuilt in 1887 and named the Belmont Hotel (see picture). It was linked to the horse racing track at what is now Carrier Park...and also had the first electric elevator passenger elevator in the South. Eventually this hotel also burned and was abandoned in 1894.
In 1925 the Malvern Hills area was recorded at the Buncombe County Courthouse and the final blocks were platted for development. The area included a nine hole golf course, the first in western NC. Due to delays with the depression all lots were sold and mostly built by 1970.
The sulphur springs are now gone except for a deteriorated cement structure marking the area which is on private property.
If you have time, enjoy a walk around the park and area.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TIGERCASH FOR FTF! Lucky Radar Dog for two walks today!