A spa kind of town

October 20, 2024 -- I have visited Berkeley Springs on several occasions. Each time, I learn something new. Berkeley Springs is a charming little town in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. It is known for its hot springs. Berkeley Springs (originally known as Bath, in honor of England's spa city Bath) has been used as a health resort since the 1750s. It is known throughout the nation and world for having the first spa.

Berkeley Springs Park

The Main Bath  House

Roman Baths: oldest building in Berkeley Springs

Gentlemen's Bath

Swimming pool

Five major springs merge on the location of the spa. The water contains significant amounts of sulfates, nitrates, and carbonates -- mostly magnesium carbonates. It was (is) believed to have medicinal properties. Even Native Americans are believed to have frequented the mineral springs.

Everybody's wading

Wading in the springs

Feels good

Get yourself some pure mineral water

Lord Fairfax originally owned the springs at Berkeley Springs and the land surrounding it. In the 1750's, he made the healing waters available to the public, but kept a private spring to himself. He turned the springs over to the Virginia legislature in 1776. I don't guess he had a choice. American Revolution and all. Berkeley Springs State Park was officially established on July 1, 1970.

Lord Fairfax Spring

George Washington is said to have visited the spa in 1748 when he was 16 years old. The tub where Washington supposedly bathed was rebuilt in the 1930s. Every March, there is a George Washington Bathtub Celebration to commemorate the first president's bathing.  

The only outdoor monument to presidential bathing

Two baths are open to the public. They aren't like the ones shown in the pictures. Bottled water from the springs is also sold. I've seen the water, probably drank it. I filled my water container up with water from the springs. There is a spigot in the Gentlemen's Bathhouse.