West Baden's Forgotten Palace: The Eighth Wonder of the World

West Baden Springs, Indiana. When it was built in 1902, with the biggest free-span dome in the world, the West Baden Springs Hotel in southern Indiana was known as the eighth wonder of the world. About a month ago, in February of 2023, the travel site TripAdvisor named it one of the top five hotels in America. TIMELINE 1901: and are still thriving today. 1902: And so, less than one year, this building was standing. 1998: a research scientist from Procter & Gamble who collects Rookwood pottery took our tour. 2023: the travel site TripAdvisor named it one of the top five hotels in America. WHY THIS MATTERS The story of West Baden Springs is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know. Episode 112 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters If you liked this: Episode 180 (Hagerstown, Indiana) Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-historyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy