Did you know West Virginia is home to the nation’s first spa? The warm springs at Berkeley Springs State Park have been popular for their perceived healing and medicinal purposes since before the European settlers arrived almost 200 years ago.
Long before the area was settled by Europeans, the warm mineral springs were popular for their perceived medicinal powers.
Grant Lindsay/Flickr
Native Americans from as far aways as Canada, the Carolinas and the Great Lakes would come to the area for the springs.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Among the white settlers, George Washington was one of the most influential promoters of the springs. He wrote in his journal about seeing them in 1748, when he was just 16. After that he visited them regularly and spread the word about them throughout the colonies.
Washington visited the area with his half-brother, Lawrence, because Lawrence was sick and they thought the warm springs might help him.
@aerial_m/flickr
When Washington first visited, he was with a crew surveying land that belonged to Thomas Lord Fairfax.
Jon Dawson/Flickr
The water at the springs is at a constant 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Jess J/Flickr
The area where the springs are is now a state park.
Jon Dawson/Flickr
In addition to these springs, the state park also has a spa with Roman Baths, Jacuzzis, massage and saunas. There’s also a swimming pool on the grounds.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Each year the park is the setting for a celebration of Washington’s Bathtub. The event is held the weekend closest to March, the anniversary of his first visit in 1748.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Have you been to Berkeley Springs State Park? What did you think about it? Let me know in the comments.
Grant Lindsay/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
@aerial_m/flickr
Jon Dawson/Flickr
Jess J/Flickr
Jon Dawson/Flickr
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
