Sulphur Springs derives its name from the fact that when the area was first settled, springs of sulfur water were abundant. Long before the first European-American settlers arrived, Native American tribes had occupied the areas around the springs and used them for their therapeutic value. The settlers also gathered around the springs, and the town developed around this area from the late 1840s.

There are several parks in the city that feature recreational opportunities:

• Coleman Lake and Park is a 186-acre (75 ha) park with waterfalls, trails, and tournament-rated ball parks. Imagination Mountain has a waterfall, with tunnels, slides and sandpits.
• Buford Park is a one-acre park with castle playground known as Kid’s Kingdom. The local walking trail crosses Pea Vine Pinion pond.
• Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park features 11 acres (4.5 ha) of historical buildings which have been relocated to the park for restoration and preservation. Activities at the park include people churning butter, blacksmithing, and cooking with a Dutch oven.

Large industries in the area today include Pinnacle, Ocean Spray, Grocery Supply, Jeld-Wen, Clayton Home Mfg., Flowserve, and others. For several months in 2012, Hopkins County enjoyed a very low unemployment rate at approximately 4.5% and 500+ jobs added.