Buckman Springs
Buckman Springs, also known as Soda Springs, was named for Amos Buckman. Buckman was originally from Massachusetts, but spent time
in Napa Valley (where he owned the Napa Soda Springs) before moving his family to San Diego County in 1871. On September 27, 1881,
Buckman acquired a 180-acre homestead and began bottling and selling water from the spring. "Buckman Springs Lithia Water" was
naturally carbonated and high in iron, lithium, and other minerals. Buckman established a campground with plans for a resort and
spa, but due to failing health and his subsequent death in 1898 these plans never materialized. In addition, the iron content
caused the water to be discolored and left an orange residue on bottles, which didn't help sales. Nevertheless, water continued to
be bottled and sold by Buckman's daughter Winifred until her passing in 1946. Its location on Highway 80 kept Buckman Springs
alive as one of the few places to get radiator water while crossing the mountains of San Diego County, but after being bypassed by
Interstate 8 it quietly faded. Today, only a few ruins remain.
