In the decades before the Civil War up into the early 20th century the community was known as "The Springs", and it became a popular spa and resort in the mid-19th century. People of that time came from all parts to sample the sweet, iron-rich water and stay at the hotel there, built before 1854 by Malcolm C. McNeill, the grandson of "Sailor Hector". A letter from a native of the area living in Mississippi dated 1854 mentions that "Red Springs" had a store. From that time and far beyond its incorporation in 1887, Red Springs grew a great deal.