Hot Mineral Water City of Texas (Marlin nickname)

Marlin was declared the “Hot Mineral Water City of Texas” by the Texas House of Representatives in 1999. Hot mineral water was found in 1892, and Marlin quickly developed a health industry economy around it.
   
 
Marlin, Texas - Mineral Water City of Texas
Consider the Difference

You’ve heard the saying, “Remember the good old days?” Although Marlin is only a short drive from major cities like Waco and Bryan/College Station, Marlin still retains that “Good Old Days” charm. For businesses looking to relocate or start fresh, Marlin is a great choice. Just look at a map of Central Texas and you can immediately see the benefits of locating a business in Marlin.
 
Direct access to the Highway 6 corridor (currently being widened to 4 lanes from Waco to Houston) provides quick transportation of goods and materials to major markets like Dallas, Houston, Austin or San Antonio. For a family, Marlin is a great location offering inexpensive land and housing. Retired individuals will find Marlin’s low cost of living a great change from a big city. Add to that the beautiful trees, fantastic climate and wonderful wildlife and you’ve got a great place to call home.
 
Parks and Recreation
Marlin is home to a private country club with a nine-hole golf course and six city parks. Plenty of green space to play with the kids or walk the dog. There are also several major lakes within a 50 mile radius of Marlin.
 
Entertainment and Arts
Opening in 2006, Marlin’s new public library will feature a collection of nearly 15,000 books, 8 public use computers with high speed internet and email access, a children’s room and computer classroom. The Falls Museum provides history seekers with interesting facts and items regarding Marlin’s rich history in agriculture and as one of the South’s largest health resorts. Marlin has been recognized by the Texas House of Representatives as the official “Mineral Water City of Texas”.
       
Handbook of Texas Online
MARLIN, TEXAS. Marlin, the county seat of Falls County, is at the intersection of State highways 6 and 7, four miles east of the Brazos River near the center of the county. The site was that of Sarahville de Viesca, established in 1834 by Sterling Clack Robertson on the west side of the falls of the Brazos. The town was named to honor John Marlin, a pioneer patriot. Samuel A. Blain, his son-in-law, laid out the streets and lots and drafted a map around a square. Lots for Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist churches were the first to be chosen. The Presbyterian church was built first and used as a union church. All three churches relocated east of the square. Zenas Bartlett’s General Store was the first business, and its brick building was used for a school for a short period. Bartlett’s wife later deeded the property to the city as a site for the city hall. Marlin had a freighting business, a tavern, a law office, and later the Green-Bartlett Mercantile Business.
(...)
Marlin incorporated in 1867. The Houston and Texas Central Railway completed its line in 1871. The population of Marlin tripled from 500 to 1,500 in a decade. In 1901 a second railroad, the International-Great Northern, laid its tracks into town and dredged a lake in what became the City Park, which is still used as a recreation area, a site for Marlin Festival Days, and as a Youth Center for its Falls County Future Farmer, 4-H Club, and Future Homemaker annual shows. In 1851 the post office was established, and John W. Jarvis, the sheriff and a former teacher, was appointed postmaster. Mail was brought in by stage. The Bank of Marlin was chartered in 1892 and closed in 1963. The Marlin National Bank and the First State Bank have operated since the early 1900s. The Marlin Compress and Cotton Seed Oil Mills were established in 1892 by a board of directors headed by J. A. Martin. The same year hot mineral water was found during the search for an artesian well. Dr. J. W. Cook promoted Marlin as a health center. Bethesda Bathhouse, Majestic Bathhouse, Imperial Hotel, Torbett Hospital, and the pavilion for the flowing hot water fountain were all founded soon after. For the next fifty years Marlin geared its economy to the health industry. Dr. S. P. Rice had an infirmary and drugstore. In 1925 Dr. Frank H. Shaw built a crippled children’s clinic, providing treatment and therapy for handicapped children, including victims of polio and arthritis. He utilized the hot mineral water in a swimming pool and provided other muscle building therapy. This hospital was closed after World War II.
 
Texas Department of Agriculture - Texas Yes!
Marlin
Destination:
Marlin, “Hot Mineral Water City of Texas”
Where You’ll Find It:
Prairies and Lakes Region; intersection of Highways 6 and 7; 24.7 miles from Waco. (Falls County)
Texans Who Call This Home:
6,428
Snapshot:
Marlin is rich in history, with healing mineral waters and a historic public fountain. A Texas Main Street City, Marlin has vibrant downtown shopping for everything from antiques to lawnmowers with lunch in between.
Did You Know:
Marlin served as National League spring training sites for the San Francisco Giants (1908-1918), Saint Louis Browns/Cardinals (1905) and the Cincinnati Red Stockings/Reds (1907).
Don’t Miss:
Annual Wood Street Blues Festival: May
Market on Main Street: March, May, July, September
Come See:
Hot Water Pavilion: After shopping downtown, give your feet a soothing soak in the antique fountain and footbath where the hot mineral water flows.
Downtown historic district
Fire Station No. 1: Built in the 1920s and still used as a fire station. Step back in time as you walk through the antique doors and tour the station.
Falls-on-the-Brazos: Tent camping is available at the only campsite along this reach of the river, where wildlife, birds and fish are abundant. Marathon paddlers may be able to complete the entire 28 miles in a single, long day, but most boaters will take two (or more) days for this run. 
 
Texas Legislature
H.C.R. No. 12
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 
WHEREAS, The city of Marlin has long been associated with the hot mineral water springs that bubble up from far beneath the Texas soil, and for this reason it is truly appropriate that Marlin be designated as the Official Hot Mineral Water City of Texas; and

WHEREAS, The discovery of the springs occurred in 1893, when early residents of this Central Texas town drilled a well while searching for an additional water supply and were instead greeted by a 50-foot-high steaming geyser; and
 
WHEREAS, After overcoming their initial surprise, Marlinites quickly discovered the therapeutic value of that newfound spring, and while the city and its bathhouses and hotels grew around the outflow, Marlin and its hot mineral springs gained recognition as one of the world’s preeminent health resorts; and
 
WHEREAS, The recuperative value of Marlin’s mineral springs is well documented, and whether used for bathing or consumed internally, the health-giving waters have been shown to provide relief from numerous disorders and to help cleanse the body of toxins; and
 
WHEREAS, More recently, Marlin’s citizens have used the steaming springs as an alternative form of energy, harnessing the geothermal discharge and using it as an economical source of power for the city; this latest innovation has not only lessened the reliance on natural gas but has also served as a blueprint for other cities with natural geothermal capability; and
 
WHEREAS, For more than a century, the hot mineral water springs of Marlin have been an integral part of the growth and development of this fine city, and the inextricable link that exists between the two is indeed reason to christen Marlin the Official Hot Mineral Water City of Texas; now, therefore, be it
 
RESOLVED, That the 76th Texas Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate Marlin as the Official Hot Mineral Water City of Texas and extend sincere best wishes to the residents of this outstanding city; and, be it further
 
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the citizens of Marlin as a token of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.