Musgrove (Chalybeate) Springs is located about three miles east of Winnsboro, just south of the railroad.
The springs were located on land owned by an early settler, L.M. Musgrove. Later the springs were called Chalybeate Springs for the high iron content in the water. This gave rise to a thriving resort community.
The railroad established a depot at Musgrove Springs during the 1890s. The owner of the springs at that time was Rev. Gus Garrison. He created a beautiful park around the springs and this became a popular picnic spot.
The M. K. and T. Railroad, after it took over the East Line and Red River, had its annual picnics for employees at the springs.
Many people from Winnsboro and the surrounding area went there for a day or two to enjoy an outing, having dinner and cold drinks, playing games and dancing.
A school was built on land given by William and Susan Bolding in 1881 and the village included churches, stores and a post office.
Walker Fore bought the springs property in the 1880s and built a two-story hotel and spa. The hotel closed in 1895 and the building was razed in 1935.
After the death of Mr. Garrison, the park was neglected and the depot at Musgrove Springs was discontinued.
The community began to decline and the school closed its doors in the 1950s.
The springs are still there and a beautiful park has again been built there. The spring water is artisian and flows through pipes above the surface of the land. It is fine drinking water and is said to contain some medicinal qualities.
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