A post office was established at Bailey Springs in 1854, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1901.

[2] The community was named for Jonathan Bailey, who started a resort on several mineral springs.

A large number of people came from Memphis and surrounding areas for the purported healing qualities of the springs.

[4] At one point, the water at Bailey Springs was bottled and shipped around the United States.

[6] During the American Civil War, troops from the 7th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment under the command of Colonel Richard Rowett camped at Bailey Springs.