The Lost Springs of Greene County: Ghost Waters, Forgotten Healing, and Local Legends

Before bottled water, before city pipes, and before swimming pools, Greene County was dotted with cold, clear springs—some so legendary that folks traveled from miles around to fill jugs and cure what ailed them. Today, most have faded from memory, paved over by highways or hidden in backyard brambles. But the stories linger. Exploring the lost springs of Greene County isn’t just about finding water—it’s about rediscovering a chapter of local history that shaped how people lived, worked, and survived.
What Are “Lost Springs”? And Why Did They Matter?

Definition: “Lost springs” refers to natural water sources that have disappeared from the landscape, been blocked, buried, or simply fallen out of use as towns and roads have grown.

Why They Mattered: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, a spring was more than a source of drinking water—it was a place to meet neighbors, baptize babies, heal wounds, and even settle land disputes.

Famous (and Forgotten) Springs of Greene County
1. Big Spring (Greeneville)

Once Greeneville’s lifeline, Big Spring is still visible near College Street. This was where early settlers watered livestock, drew drinking water, and caught up on gossip. Town meetings, baptisms, and celebrations all happened here.

2. Mineral Springs

Located near Rheatown, this spring was famous for its “healing” waters—full of iron and sulfur. In the 1800s, people claimed it could cure everything from stomach aches to rheumatism. Some old maps still mark it, but the spot is hard to find today.

3. Cold Springs (Baileyton area)

Used for centuries by Native Americans and then by settlers. Its icy water made it a favorite for cooling milk, butter, and cider before refrigerators existed.

4. Cedar Springs (Tusculum)

A popular spot for church picnics and summer baptisms. By the 1920s, many Greene County churches had their own spring-side events, often followed by a fried chicken lunch.

5. Lost and Buried Springs

Countless springs vanished under new roads, shopping centers, or when farms were abandoned during the Great Depression. Local “ghost water” legends tell of springs that still bubble to the surface after a hard rain.

Real-World Scenarios

Genealogy Hunts: Many family records and graveyards are located near old springs. If you’re tracing ancestors, check historic maps and ask locals about springs your family might have relied on.

Hidden History Walks: Walk any old fence line or hollow, and you’ll eventually find stones stacked around a tiny seep of water—the only sign of a forgotten spring.

Urban Legends: Some claim the springs never really left, just went underground, surfacing after big storms or in the coldest winters.

Classic Recipe: Spring House Butter

Before electricity, “spring houses” (small buildings built over springs) kept food cold. The cool, moist air made for the best homemade butter.

Spring House Butter

1 pint heavy cream, chilled (fresh is best)

A pinch of salt

Cold water (spring water if you’ve got it!)

Let cream come to room temp, then churn in a jar or mixer until butter separates. Wash in cold water, salt to taste, shape into balls. Store in the coldest place you can find—ideally, right over a real spring.
Why the Lost Springs Still Matter

These hidden waters were the backbone of early Greene County life. They connected neighbors, nurtured families, and built towns. Even if the springs themselves have disappeared, their legacy is all around us—if you know where to look.

See Also:

Tennessee Springs and Aquifers: https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/wr-water-resources/water-resources-data-and-maps.html

Greene County Historical Map Archive: https://www.loc.gov/maps/?fa=location:tennessee%7Clocation:greene+county

Appalachian Folklore and Water Legends: https://www.appalachianhistory.net/

History of Spring Houses: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-cool-history-of-springhouses-137040/

Old Greeneville Photos (Springs, Town, etc.): https://www.tngenweb.org/greene/photo-archive.html