History of Yellow Springs
The local history of Yellow Springs village spans nearly 300 years. Archaeological evidence suggests that Native Americans first used the iron rich “yellow” spring water thousands of years ago.
18th Century
In the 18th century, Yellow Springs was a fashionable spa village that attracted visitors who sought healing waters and social interaction.
The Hospital
During the American Revolution, George Washington commissioned a hospital to be built in the village, the first military hospital in North America. Washington himself visited on numerous occasions.
After the Revolutionary War
Following the war, the village returned to a spa town during the early 19th century.
Orphan School
From 1868 to 1912, Yellow Springs was home to the Chester Springs Soldiers’ Orphan School for children of Civil War soldiers.
Fine Arts
From 1916 to 1952, the village served as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Country School.
Good News Productions
From 1952 until 1974 the village was the headquarters of Good News Productions, a film studio in Yellow Springs that created over 400 films including the sci-fi original The Blob.
Since 1974
From 1974 on, Historic Yellow Springs, Inc. has preserved many of these original structures and educates visitors about our unique past.
Historic Yellow Springs is proud to be supported by The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission and partner with West Pikeland Township and The Herb Society of America Philadelphia Unit to share this important local history. It is institutions like ours that are reviving the local flavor, and keeping important voices alive. We ask you to please lean in and stay curious. Learn more about your ties to local history, and engage with the stories of our shared past. It is because of individuals like you that we continue to do this work on a daily basis and engage in so many interesting stories.
Each year we evaluate the programs, exhibitions, and grounds to ensure that visitors can explore freely while creating a meaningful experience. Families, academics and creatives alike can reach back in time to find their own niche of history. With each offering we seek to create experiences that are place based, life long, community relevant, and interactive. We find that these elements combine to help bring local history to life.
