Hot Springs and the National Park Idea

Hot Springs National Park ranger Dr. Cane West will trace the transformation of America's oldest national park from a frontier village to the “Great American Spa” in his presentation to HSV Audubon on Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. in the Coronado Center auditorium.

oct. 9, 10 A.M. - CORONADO CENTER AUDITORIUM

West will discuss the ways in which Hot Springs fit into the growing idea of national parks, as well as how Hot Springs has always charted a unique path in American history as a health and leisure destination. 

THE SPEAKER

Dr. West is an academic historian and park ranger at Hot Springs National Park. A native son of Arkansas, he has spent the last decade in the National Park Service, living and working all over the country at a variety of nature and history-themed parks.

He earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of South Carolina in 2019. His academic research on settlement in the Arkansas River Valley kept him tethered to his home state. Among his accomplishments, he has published articles in the Journal of the Early Republic and the Journal of Southern History and received high-fives from numerous park visitors.

West joined the staff of Hot Springs National Park in 2021, finally merging his academic passion with his home state enthusiasm. He is currently serving as the acting Interpretation Program manager.