For centuries, Native Americans had been using the eight “medicine springs” in the area around what is now Bedford, Pennsylvania, for their healing properties. But after they shared this knowledge with Dr. John Anderson in 1796, it was no longer a secret. Johnson purchased 2,200 acres in 1798 and began advertising the mineral springs as having medicinal properties. As more and more guests came he decided to build a hotel. The original hotel was built in 1806 with subsequent additions and renovations over the next two centuries. In 1819, Thomas…
