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A Glass of Eden “Carlsbad’s Miracle Water”

Frazier’s Well / Alt Karlsbad  

carlsbad-california

 

 

 

 

 

In 1883, Captain John Frazier tapped a mineral spring on his homestead in Carlsbad.  This water was found to be very similar in composition to the Bohemian spa water of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic or better known as Karlsbad.  In English, it is sometimes called also Carlsbad (after the German name Karlsbad).  Two different types of water were tapped: one artesian and the other a mineral water allegedly identical in taste and chemical content to water lauded for its healing powers found at a famous spa in Karlsbad, Bohemia – hence the name of the town.

Karlovy Vary - Carlsbad

Karlovy Vary, meaning “Charles’ Bath” was named after Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, who founded the city in 1370. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and hot springs. According to the legend, King Charles IV discovered the Karlovy Vary springs during a deer hunt around 1350, when he got a leg injury which healed quickly after emperor soon attributed its curative powers.

Karlovy Vary’s mineral waters were thought to have external and internal healing properties. The water has an alkaline base of a ph around 8.76 plus an abundance of natural minerals. It is good for any inflammatory process in your body: arthritis, fibromyalgia and stomach issues.  

With the discovery of Fraizer’s alkaline mineral water, this soon became the base of the Carlsbad economy due to the spread of word about the mineral water and the frequent train stops carrying travelers who came to drink of the water, which he called “A Glass of Eden”. By 1890 there was a 50-foot tower pulling water from a 510 foot well.

The well became a very popular spot for the Hollywood elite to come enjoy the healing waters.  But during the Great Depression the well was basically abandoned because the owners lacked the funds for maintenance. and repairs.  In 1955 the original well was declared a state historical site.

In 1964 Alt Karlsbad was built, recreating a 12th century structure as a backdrop for their replica of the European namesake.  They did not however get the wells going until 1991 when the Grigoras family from the Czech Republic discover the wells and decided to adopt the city as a sister city.  The Grigoras family then restored the wells and revived the spa business. Alt Karlsbad today houses a spa and has reopened a bottling plant with the same mineral water.  They even sell their water at Costco these days.

Carlsbad Mineral Spa

Carlsbad Mineral Spa

 

Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa
2802 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone  760 434-1887

 

Read More: Carlsbad Magazines Article, Alright, Drink and Be Happy


Written by:
Cherimarie Poulos
Owner & Founder of Carlsbad Food Tours

Cheri has a strong connection to Carlsbad. One of her daughter’s was Miss Carlsbad 2005. So, she voted herself to be Mrs. Carlsbad. Now the Chief Foodie & Founder of Carlsbad Food Tours! She loves Carlsbad & is happy to share her knowledge of local history and great eateries.  When she is not horseback riding, she is hanging out in Carlsbad doing food tours.
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We offer a 3 hour guided walking tour of the village featuring tastings from local eateries, and insights into Carlsbad’s art, history and architecture.