Story behind the waters

DESMOND BLAIR, the manager of Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa, retells the story of a slave named Jacob who found the mineral waters in the 1690s quite by accident. The slave was a runaway belonging to a Colonel Stanton. While he was in hiding he bathed some ulcers on his legs in the hot springs and they were healed. He went back and told his master who took control of the spring. The spring and the surrounding property were later sold to the government.

The inscription plaque on the front of the hotel suggests that the spring was mostly to help the sick. It reads:

"This public Building for the Benefit of the Sick & Infirm was erected under the inspection of the Hon. CHARLES PRICE PETER VALLETE & WILLIAM FORBES Esqrs. Appointed COMMISSIONERS for carrying on the fame the foundation of which was begun the 19th day of March 1747."

According to Gloria Cole, manager of Milk River Mineral Bath, the spa has a similar story to Bath's. It too was discovered by a slave. The slave was badly beaten and left in a dungeon from which he escaped. His found the spring with salty-tasting water. He bathed his body for several days and his wounds were healed. He told his master, Jonathan Ludford, who fenced the area and appointed the slave as a watchman. Mr. Ludford willed it to the government.

Rockfort Mineral Spa was a little different but, manager, Raj Pujari, didn't have a clue as to its origin. However, a report on the spas from the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) suggests that the origin wasn't clear, but it is said to have appeared after the earthquake of 1907. It is also said to contain radioactive water from a cold spring.

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