The history of the old "castle on the hill" in Dansville NY begins in 1798 when an explosion startled the early settlers of the town, emanating from East Hill. Upon investigation of the quake, a new hole was discovered in the rock that sent water cascading down the slope from an underground spring. "Breakout Creek" as it was named remained just a local curiosity until 1851 when Rochester businessman Nathaniel Bingham learned of this mineral-rich water source. He believed this water had therapeutic properties when applied internally (drinking) and externally (baths and wraps), known then as the Water Cure, or Hydrotherapy - a popular alternative medicine in the 19th century. Bingham believed that Dansville would be an ideal place to open a spa, but the Dansville Water Cure facility that opened in 1854 did not fare well, even after a few successors tried their businesses after Bingham became ill and sold the property.
