Q: In Reader’s Digest, I recently saw a beautiful picture taken at Radium Springs. It was noted that there used to be a casino resort destroyed by floods in 1994 that was never rebuilt. Where is Radium Springs and what can you tell me about the casino that was once there?
—Debbie Lary, Lithonia
A: Radium Springs, which is about 5 miles south of Albany, is one of Georgia's seven natural wonders.
It was known as Blue Springs until small amounts of radium were discovered in the water, and it was renamed after the element in the early 20th century.
The springs are about 68 degrees year-round, compared to 88 degrees at Warm Springs, about 120 miles north.
The area was sacred to the local Native Americans for centuries and later became a popular swimming spot for locals.
Barron Collier, who owned hotels, banks and newspapers, among other companies, bought the springs and the surrounding land in the 1920s.
He built a casino, hotel and two 9-hole golf courses – which opened in 1927 — to provide a place to stay for people traveling to spend the winter in Florida.
The resort eventually closed, but the buildings remained and Radium Springs continued to be a popular place to swim and socialize.
The buildings were heavily damaged by floods, including the Great Flood of 1994, when the waters reached the second floor of what had been the casino building.
The buildings were demolished in 2003, and Radium Springs was redeveloped into an area that features a restored terrace, garden, sidewalks and gazebos.
Swimming is no longer allowed.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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