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The History of Metcalfe County: Historic
Sulphur Well
The community of Sulphur
Well was discovered and the community that
evolved around it were a result of Ezekial
Neal's initiation and desire to improve his
standard of living. He began acquiring land
along the South Fork in September, 1832. He
began digging for a well in 1845. Using a hand
and horse-powered six inch drill, he worked for
weeks until he reached depth of 180 feet.
When he hit water he was disappointed that he
did not find a salt well. But upon being
analyzed, the water was found to have Sulphur,
magnesia, salt and iron. The stream of water
has continued to run since that time.
According
to Mr. Thompson, Neal opened his home as a hotel
for the people who came to the area to drink the
water. He then sold the land to William Green
of Hart County for $2,000, but he continued to
live there for a few years.
As word of
the well spread, people began to come more and
more. At times, various residents of the
community operated boarding houses and hotels.
In 1902, Catlett W. Thompson began construction
on the Beula Villa Hotel. It opened for
business in 1903. The Beula Villa Hotel was
known for its warm, relaxed atmosphere and good
food that was served family style in two dinning
rooms.
Sulphur
Well did not have a post office until July 30
1879. At that time Thomas Qusenberry became
postmaster. There weren't many businesses in
Sulphur Well but there were some in the
surrounding area to serve the communities needs. |