California’s ‘Hardest Town To Pronounce’ Was Once A Fraudulent Health Spa Resort With A Kooky Founder — Here’s The Wild Backstory

Southern California’s funky unincorporated desert settlement, Zzyzx , is famous for its unique name that stands out on maps and road signs. In fact, Zzyzx routinely tops lists as the hardest town name to pronounce, with the spelling very much defying the accepted pronunciation: “ZYE-zix.” As interesting as Zzyzx’s name is, the town’s colorful backstory is perhaps even more memorable: it involves a charismatic radio evangelist, dubious “miracle cures,” and a years-long federal investigation. How much do you truly know about Zzyzx? Keep reading for the full unbelievable tale. The origins of Zzyzx -------------------- Today’s Zzyzx was originally inhabited by the Indigenous Mohave and Chemehuevi people , who depended on its natural springs as a crucial water source in the Mojave Desert. It later became known as Soda Springs , serving generations of Spanish settlers, miners, and the U.S. Army. In 1944, radio evangelist and self-proclaimed doctor Curtis Howe Springer filed mining claims on the land and began building an elaborate health spa resort. He coined the name “Zzyzx” as a way to draw attention from travelers and ensure that it was the last word in the English dictionary. Springer’s “health spa” and subsequent scandal ---------------------------------------------- Springer built the Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Resort to include a large castle-like hotel, mineral baths, artificial hot springs, a chapel, and even an airstrip. He posed as a doctor to sell “miracle cures” and health products, marketing the spa as “the last word in health.” Remarkably, Springer’s spa ran for nearly 3 decades until the government caught on and launched a federal investigation. Between the fraudulent land claims, unauthorized construction, and false advertising of health products, the spa had to go. Authorities raided Zzyzx in 1974 and sentenced Springer to several months in prison. The spa was abandoned and sat unused until 1976, when the California State University system turned it into the Desert Studies Center , a research and teaching facility that still operates today. Visiting Zzyzx today -------------------- Between its quirky history and scenic desert landscapes, Zzyzx makes for an interesting road trip stop off Highway 15 on the way to Las Vegas. Visitors can check out some of the original spa structures around Lake Tuendae , ruins of pools, and original street signs like “Boulevard of Dreams.” Zzyzx is also considered a top birding destination , offering a great vantage point to see native birds of the Mojave Desert. Just keep in mind that Zzyzx is not an abandoned ghost town , and while you can see some of the historic buildings from the street, many of them are private property. 🌐 Learn more : National Park Service Source: https://secretsanfrancisco.com/zzyzyx-california-history-health-spa/