145: The Loose Buckle in the Bible Belt. Hot Springs National Park.

Hot Springs National Park was nicknamed the loose buckle in the Bible Belt for its long history of criminal operations, speakeasies, and mob lore. This episode we conduct a historic tour of the park, visiting the favorite spots of infamous gangsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano.

We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website.

Thank you so much to our partners, check them out!
Honey: Use our link to get PayPal Honey for free.
Prose: Use our link for a free in-depth hair consultation and 15% off your first order.
Skylight Frame: Get 10% off, up to $30 off at SkylightFrame.com/PARK.
Gametime: Download Gametime and use code NPAD for $20 of your first purchase.

Resources: FBI, Britannica, Arkansas, NPS, Book: Images of America - Hot Springs From Capone to Costello

Re: The bathhouse medical history; Look into “Thelasso Therapy”

Awesome episode like always! Also, when you were talking about doctor prescribed bathhouse and hot springs use, it reminded me of the medical belief (also in the 1800’s) of Thelasso Therapy which is essentially where you’re instructed to go to an inn on the ocean shore and soak in the water for a number of hours a day and “breathe in the sea air” like a prescription/medical recovery plan. It’s super cool!