In West Virginia’s earliest days, before the Mountain State had a star on our flag all its own, early settlers flocked to the area to find rejuvenation and healing in various warm mineral springs. Often towns built up around the springs, but some were more successful than others…

Fontville was the name of a town that was planned in 1790 in Monroe County, West Virginia. At the time it was considered Botetourt County, Virginia.

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30 acres were set aside for the town, and it was divided into lots, with extensive plans for how the town was to be built.

West Virginia Historical Photographs Collection

The Old Sweet Springs Resort was built in the town, in hopes of drawing tourists.

Library of Congress/Historic American Buildings Survey

The town’s location, far from railway stations and other conveniences, kept it from being the great success the planners intended.

Library of Congress/Historic American Buildings Survey For several years, however, they kept on, building cottages around the resort, a courthouse and a jail.

The town of Fontville never officially came into being, but the resort was slightly more successful, and the area is now known as Sweet Springs.

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Eventually the Sweet Springs resort was also abandoned, after some time serving as a home for the elderly and as a drug rehab center.

WikiMedia Commons/Brian M. Powell

Old Sweet Springs may have a bright future, however. The resort buildings are currently being restored by the Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation.

Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation/Facebook

You can read more about the future plans for Old Sweet Springs here, or visit the Foundation’s Facebook page for the latest updates.

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West Virginia Historical Photographs Collection

Library of Congress/Historic American Buildings Survey

For several years, however, they kept on, building cottages around the resort, a courthouse and a jail.

WikiMedia Commons/Brian M. Powell

Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation/Facebook

Sweet Springs isn’t the only medicinal spring area with an interesting history. Read more about West Virginia’s abandoned spa towns.

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