Most likely Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas.

Hot Springs, AR has been a resort destination for many years. It was often a place where the ill or elderly went to "take the cure" of the natural; hot spring waters; especially before the discovery of antibiotics.

It is still a big retirement area and resort destination today. In February they have Horse Racing (para mutual betting is allowed) and back in the 1920's - 1940's they had semi leaglized casinos and many of the big names names in entertainment went toperform and enjoy the resort. The Fedeeral Government established a National Park there built elaborate Bath Houses. Only one is still in operation and one other is a museum, but several of the fine old buildings are still there on "Bath House Row."

I don't know much about it in 1872, but would think it was a popular destination for the well to do seeking relief from illness. WKNO-TV (a Public TV Station her ein Memphis) aired a PBS special about the history of Hot Springs a few years ago. You try checking with PBS about it for some genral history. Hot Springs is southwest of Little Rock.

I am sure they probably have a historical or genealogical society in Garland County.