The author investigates historic springs, leading to an underground history of the Niagara, New York region, presenting the colorful stories of Bootleg Spring, Devil's Cave Spring, Hollow Log Salt Spring and Sulphur Springs. The hidden “Chief Joseph Brant Spring” is revealed shrouded in abandoned mystery along with its disturbing past as a “A European Military Associated Mohawk Habitation Site” during the Revolutionary War, 1775–1783.

In those early times, the abundant spring water was regarded as a medicine for cure and healing. A look at the mineral content shows local springs contained ingredients that had healing potential: bicarbonate of soda used for stomach, digestion, coughs; lithium used for mood disorders; salt for wounds and mouth sores, and other minerals that were regarded as helpful.

James Boles