[5] The sulfur springs were commercially exploited for medical benefits starting in 1840.

By the later half of the 19th century, French Lick was famous in the United States as a spa town.

In the early 20th century it also featured casinos attracting celebrities such as boxer Joe Louis, composer Irving Berlin and gangster Al Capone.

Because of wartime travel restrictions, the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox held spring training in French Lick from 1943 to 1944; in 1945 the Cubs stayed in town while the White Sox moved to Terre Haute, utilizing Memorial Stadium.

[7] It was also home to a large 7 Up bottling facility, which ceased operations in the mid-20th century.

Franklin D. Roosevelt announced his intention to run for president in June 1931 at a National Governors' Convention held at the French Lick Springs Hotel.

[8] In 2015, the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort played host to the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

According to the 2010 census, French Lick has a total area of 1.77 square miles (4.58 km2), all land.

The Springs Valley district was formed in 1957, when the schools of French Lick and West Baden consolidated.

[14] French Lick had the "Red Devils" as a mascot, based on Pluto, the ruler of the underworld in Greek mythology.

Prior to the consolidation, French Lick and West Baden Springs high schools were athletic rivals.