Hotel owner from 1901-1929
Thomas Taggart was born November 17, 1856, in Emyvale, Ireland. His family immigrated to Xenia, Ohio and while in his 20s, Taggart made his way to Indiana.
In the Hoosier State, Taggart made a name for himself. While managing restaurants in the old Indianapolis Union Depot in 1886 he decided to enter the political arena and launch a prominent national political career, which included terms as Mayor of Indianapolis and United States Senator. He ascended to the top of the Democratic Party and became its National Chairman in 1890 and held that position for 12 years.
During this time Taggart also established his hospitality business. He was a frequent visitor of the French Lick and West Baden area and he knew of the reported healing powers of the mineral waters. Taggart foresaw a profitable business and in 1899 he conceived a plan to build his own health resort.
In 1901 an opportunity arose that Taggart could not pass up. With a group of investors he purchased the French Lick Springs Hotel, already famous for what Taggart would later market as “Pluto Water”. He immediately went to work to update the hotel buildings and add a bottling plant for Pluto Water, bath house (spa), powerhouse and he even proposed a park.
One of the most significant improvements he made was the expansion and upgrade of the original east-facing wing (the current Spa Wing). He also covered it with the distinctive yellow brick and added the huge wrap-around veranda, both of which still exist today.
Taggart even brought electricity to the hotel and, out of generosity, to the town of French Lick. It was said that he didn’t want his guests to sit on the veranda and look out at a dark town.
Taggart would go on to make several more expansions to the French Lick Springs Hotel, including two new wings, spring houses for the three springs, two 18-hole golf courses (known today as The Valley Links Course and The Donald Ross Course at French Lick), stables, a dairy barn and formal gardens behind the hotel.
Upon his passing in 1929, Taggart’s only son, Thomas D., became the new hotel owner until 1946 when he sold the family’s interest, ending 46 years of Taggart ownership.
Under Taggart’s leadership, the French Lick Springs Hotel was revitalized. He was one of the most well-known figures in Indiana at the time. His political influence and charisma drew people in great numbers and established the hotel as a nationwide destination. The resort he created enticed prominent people, including United States Presidents and celebrities, to visit for decades after the Taggarts had sold their interests.