Harding Spring: A Healing Oasis in Eureka Springs

Harding Spring, located on Spring Street in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is more than just a natural spring; it's a historical landmark with a captivating story. Named after J. Emmett Harding, a photographer who built a home near the spring in 1879 and began taking souvenir photos of visitors, Harding Spring is known as the site of one of Eureka Springs' most famous healings. In 1880, Jennie Cowan, a young woman who had been blind for seven years, began drinking the water from Harding Spring exclusively after months of unsuccessful attempts with the waters of Basin Spring. On August 22, 1880, her sight was restored, creating a sensation among the many visitors seeking the benefits of the healing waters. Her exclamation, "I can see!" echoed through the town, solidifying Harding Spring's reputation as a place of miraculous healing. Today, Harding Spring is one of the original spring reservations protected by Ordinance No. 80, dated February 16, 1886. The area around the spring has been transformed into a small park with beautiful native flowers, making it a popular spot for photographs and quiet contemplation. Visitors can relax by the spring, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and reflect on the history and legends that surround this special place. A trail connects Harding Spring to Sweet Spring, offering a scenic walk along the bluff line.