In September 1863, Union forces occupied Little Rock.

Today, much of Hot Springs's history is preserved by various government entities. Oaklawn Park has been operating since 1904. The mayor presides over city functions in an official capacity and manages the municipal government, without legislative authority. In 1946, after the war, the Eastman was demolished when the federal government no longer needed it. Teams race throughout the city at night, solving clues based on difficult puzzle and physical challenges.

In 2019 the estimated population was 38,797.

The northern section of the city is within the Fountain Lake School District, leading to graduation from Fountain Lake High School. [32], Illegal gambling became firmly established in Hot Springs during the decades following the Civil War, with two factions, the Flynns and the Dorans, fighting one another throughout the 1880s for control of the town. The redistribution center closed down in December 1945 after processing more than 32,000 members of the military. Also a destination for the arts, Hot Springs features the Hot Springs Music Festival, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, and the Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival annually. Seven AM radio stations and fifteen FM stations broadcast from the area. Hot Springs is located in southeastern Garland County at 34°29′50″N 93°03′19″W / 34.497138°N 93.055393°W / 34.497138; -93.055393. There is a Ruth plaque both inside and outside the Alligator Farm, as well as a home plate marker at the former Whittington Park across the street. The city's highest temperature was 115 °F (46.1 °C), recorded in 1986. Almost entirely unaltered, the 1920s structures are associated with the railroad industry, which was extremely important to Hot Springs in the early 20th century. [19], In 1952, an 18-year old Hank Aaron played in the Negro League World Series for the Indianapolis Clowns against the Birmingham Black Barons at Jaycee Park.

Today preserved by NRHP as Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District, the district includes 77 contributing properties to the district between Prospect Street and Park Avenue. The Thrifty Nickel, a classified advertising publication, is published from offices at 670 Ouachita Avenue.

As the city grew during the early 20th century, commercial activity developed along Ouachita Avenue south of Bathhouse Row, today preserved as the Ouachita Avenue Historic District. A rainstorm finally quenched the blaze at Hazel Street.

The Forest Service Headquarters Historic District encompasses six structures on Winona and Indiana Streets built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as the headquarters of the Jessieville Ranger District of the Ouachita National Forest. Garvan also has a Japanese-themed section with several species native to Japan throughout. Hot Springs National Park is maintained by the National Park Service, including Bathhouse Row, which preserves the eight historic bathhouse buildings and gardens along Central Avenue. [7], In 2013, the metro was ranked by Forbes as one of the top "small places for business and careers", citing a low cost of doing business, high job growth and an educated workforce. The hot spring water has been popularly believed for centuries to possess healing properties, and was a subject of legend among several Native American tribes. After Arkansas became its own territory in 1819, the Arkansas Territorial Legislature requested in 1820 that the springs and adjoining mountains be set aside as a federal reservation. Founded by the daughter of a lumber and brick magnate in 1985, the 210-acre (85 ha) botanical garden on Arkridge Road features native Ouachita Mountains flora among rocky streams and waterfalls. It is published daily. An alligator feeding show includes educational material about the animals. Champion Baptist College was issued a Letter of Exemption from Certification by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to offer church-related courses and grant church-related degrees. In 1874, Joseph Reynolds announced his decision to construct a narrow-gauge railroad from Malvern to Hot Springs; completion in 1875 resulted in the growth of visitation to the springs.

Today, the park features fishing and water recreation as well as camping to visitors. 38.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Approximately eight parking spots on Fountain Street lining Hot Springs National Park’s Arlington Lawn will closed from 7 a.m. on Nov. 1 through Nov. 21 to allow the City of Hot Springs Parks & Trails Department to install holiday light displays.