Berkeley Springs in Morgan County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Lot owned by George Washington

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, September 28, 2008

1. Lot owned by George Washington Marker

Inscription. George Washington, surveyor for Lord Fairfax, visited "ye fam'd warm springs" first, Mar. 17, 1748. Later he brought his family "to try the effect of the waters" in 1768. When "Ye Town of Bath" was incorporated in October 1776, Washington bought this lot, and erected a dwelling house, kitchen and stable, finished July 10, 1784.

Erected 1931 by Citizens of Morgan County unveiled by the NSDAR of West Virginia.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, the George Washington Slept Here, and the West Virginia, Berkeley Springs, Town of Bath Lots series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 10, 1842.

Location. 39° 37.582′ N, 78° 13.607′ W. Marker is in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, in Morgan County. Marker is at the intersection of Fairfax Street and Mercer St., on the right when traveling east on Fairfax Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Berkeley Springs WV 25411, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Castle Built for Love (a few steps from this marker); Gen. George Washington

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(a few steps from this marker); James Muir (a few steps from this marker); Samuel Washington (a few steps from this marker); Philip Bush (a few steps from this marker); William Ramsey and James Stuart (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Gen. George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sons and Daughters of Morgan County (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berkeley Springs.

Lot owned by George Washington image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, September 28, 2008

2. Lot owned by George Washington

None of the original buildings remain.

George Washington display in Berkeley Springs Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, September 28, 2008

3. George Washington display in Berkeley Springs Museum

"a summer house"
In September 1784, George and Martha Washington stayed in Berkeley Springs at Throgmorton's Inn. While there, he met with James Rumsey. Washing contracted with Rumsey to build a summer house overlooking the springs on the two lots he had bought in 1777. Washington championed the inventor's efforts to develop a working steamboat and hired Rumsey to build a canal for his Potomac Navigation Company.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,180 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on May 12, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on October 29, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.