The Original Springs Hotel and Bathhouse is a mineral spa located at 506 N. Hanover St. in Okawville, Illinois. The resort was established in 1867, when founder Rudolph Plegge discovered the presence of minerals like magnesium and sulfur in his well water. Plegge and his neighbor C. H. Kelle built a bathhouse on his land; after the bathhouse burned in an 1892 fire, the current hotel and bathhouse were built. During the late 19th century, mineral spring resorts became popular due to their purported health benefits, and several new spas opened alongside the Original Springs in Okawville. The village became a significant resort destination for wealthy St. Louis businessmen, including brewing magnate August Anheuser Busch, Sr. While most of Okawville's resorts declined after mineral springs fe