The Electro Chalybeate Well

## Overview The Electro Chalybeate Well is a historic public drinking spring located along South Royal Street in Jackson, Tennessee. The name itself reveals much about the water's character: "chalybeate" refers to water naturally rich in iron salts, a type of mineral spring that was highly prized throughout the 18th and 19th centuries for its perceived health benefits. Chalybeate springs were once destinations for health seekers across the American South, and many towns grew up around them. The "Electro" prefix suggests the well may have been associated with the electro-therapeutic health movement that was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when mineral waters and mild electrical treatments were combined as wellness remedies. Jackson, Tennessee — the seat of Madison County — has a long history tied to natural water sources, and the Electro Chalybeate Well stands as a reminder of the region's connection to its mineral-rich groundwater. Chalybeate water typically has a distinctive slightly metallic taste due to its dissolved iron content, and springs of this type were historically used as drinking water sources by locals and travelers alike. The well is situated in a publicly accessible area near the 600 block of South Royal Street, making it one of the more conveniently located historic springs in West Tennessee. ## Directions 1. From downtown Jackson, TN, head south on **South Royal Street** (also accessible from US-45). 2. Continue along South Royal Street past the downtown core. 3. The Electro Chalybeate Well is located in the **600–698 block of South Royal Street**, on the south side of the city. 4. GPS coordinates: **35.6051, -88.8137** — use these for precise navigation, as the well may not appear in all mapping applications by name. 5. Look for the well site along the street; parking is generally available along the road or in nearby lots. ## What to Expect Visitors to the Electro Chalybeate Well will find a historic mineral spring in an urban setting within Jackson, Tennessee. As a chalybeate spring, the water has historically been noted for its iron-rich mineral content, which may give it a faintly reddish tint or a mild metallic taste — characteristics that are typical of this type of spring and were once considered desirable. The well is located along South Royal Street in a residential and mixed-use area of the city, so access is straightforward and does not require hiking or off-road travel. The site is best visited during daylight hours. Because this is a natural mineral spring with no known modern water quality testing on record, visitors should be aware that the water has not been verified as safe for drinking by current standards, even though it has historically been used as a drinking water source. Those interested in tasting the water may wish to bring their own collection container. The Electro Chalybeate Well is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in historic mineral springs, the health-spring culture of the American South, or the natural heritage of West Tennessee.