A remarkable chapter of Cleveland County's past resurfaces in Healing Waters: A History of Cleveland County's Mineral Springs, a new exhibition debuting March 11, 2025. Open through December 27, 2025, this exhibit is made possible with support from the Albemarle Foundation.
Hearkening back to the first special exhibit held at the Earl Scruggs Center, Healing Waters tells the extraordinary story of the mineral springs that are the product of Cleveland County's unique geology and their influential role in the history of tourism in the American South. Following the story of Cleveland Springs Resort, the exhibit details its rise from a simple inn to a destination for the elite of the South by the turn of the 20th century. Alongside Cleveland Springs were the shorter-lived Patterson Springs and McBrayer Springs that also catered to the wealthy of Cleveland County and beyond.
The great mineral spring resorts of yesteryear find a connection to the present and future through the unique minerals that can be found in few places on earth outside of Cleveland County. This includes lithium, a mineral that was praised for its curative powers at the time of Cleveland Springs but is today one of the most crucial resources on the planet. Healing Waters dedicates a portion of the exhibit to showcasing Cleveland County's role in the future of technology through the innovations of the Albemarle Corporation one of the leading producers of lithium worldwide, with mining and processing operations in Kings Mountain, NC.
"The Earl Scruggs Center is thrilled to be able to exhibit a story that so perfectly presents the remarkable past of Cleveland County and its exciting future, detailing why our community is so special" said Earl Scruggs Center Assistant Director Zach Dressel. "I also want to recognize members of the community such as Larry Simpson and Rusty Patterson who provided insight for the exhibit and are working diligently to keep this story alive."
The Earl Scruggs Center encourages members of the community to attend a special opening for the exhibit from 10am-12pm on March 11, 2025. Light refreshments will be provided, and the exhibit's curator Zach Dressel will be available for questions.
The Earl Scruggs Center is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission is free for Cleveland County residents on Saturdays. For more information and updates on events, visit www.earlscruggscenter.org.