Montvale Springs

Montvale Springs was the site of a rural resort hotel in 1800s and early 1900s. Three hotel buildings were erected here (in 1832, 1853, and 1902) and all were destroyed by fires. The largest was the second one, called the Seven Gables Hotel. Constructed in 1853, the three-story building featured 125 rooms and porches of each floor matching the length of the building. The main draw of the resort was the sulfurous spring water, which people believed provided health benefits. It is unknown who devised the name "Montvale." However, there is speculation that it could have originated from future president of the Texas Republic, Sam Houston, who allegedly found and named the springs.

In 1832, Daniel Foute built the first hotel, which stood on a 6,300-acre property he had purchased. At 1,500 feet above sea level, it was advertised as “free from flies, mosquitoes, and malaria.” The hotel featured 10 rooms, two stories, and a veranda. William McTeer, in an advertisement, described the atmosphere as “pure and invigorating” and the scenery “romantic and picturesque.”

In 1853, Asa Watson replaced the building with a three story, seven gabled building (hence the name "Seven Gables." It featured 125 rooms and 60 cottages on the lawn. It had many types of plants, and was considered the best hotel in the area. The nearby sulfurous spring had healing effects and is what drew many visitors. According to accounts, the spring would tranquilize all nerves and even cause people to involuntarily say “Peace on Earth and good will to man.” Guests could also enjoy other activities including hunting, music, croquet, fine dining, hiking, and ten pin. Some families stayed entire summers. According to a newspaper from May 21, 1896, the hotel caught fire and burned down on May 15th. Everyone got out safely but damages were at least $45,000. At the time, the resort had 100 beds, 12 large dining tables, 3 billiard tables, and 15 parlor chairs (among other things.)

The resort continued to operate thanks to the cottages that were still available. The third hotel was built in 1901 by Andrew Gable and could accommodate 100 guests. In 1904, Thomas Cooper modernized it by adding a water tank that was run by gravity and running water, adding 4 water closets and 2 tub rooms. He then purchased an Edison DC generator, a steam engine, and electric carbon-filament light bulbs. Ludwig Phlanze purchased the hotel in 1911 and created a lake on the property by building a dam (Lake Sidney Lanier). The hotel burned again on November 21, 1933.

The YMCA bought the property in 1947 and operated a summer camp until 2005. After being placed in a conservation easement, the Harmony Family Center bought it in 2012.

Banker, Mark T. Appalachians All: East Tennesseans and the Elusive History of an American Region. Univ. of Tennessee Press, 2011.

"History of Montvale." Harmony Family Center. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://harmonyfamilycenter.org/montvale/history".

Martin, C. Brenden. Tourism in the Mountain South: A Double-edged Sword. Univ. of Tennessee Press, 2007.

"Montvale Springs." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=203538.