Warm Springs in Bath County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Warm Springs Baths

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 25, 2022

1. Warm Springs Baths Marker

Inscription. The Warm Springs Baths, an example of 19th-century medicinal resort architecture, formed the centerpiece of a small village that served as the seat of Bath County from 1791 until 1908. Thomas Lewis and his son John developed a resort around the naturally warmed mineral springs before the Revolutionary War. Later served by a noted hotel, the springs became a popular destination for people who sought fashionable society and the waters’ reputed curative powers. The octagonal frame bath house was constructed in the 1820s, while the 22-sided Ladies’ Bath House was added by the mid-1870s. After the Warm Springs Hotel was razed in 1925, The Homestead assumed management of the Warm Springs Baths.

Erected 2019 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number D-46.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Natural Features • Notable Buildings • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1791.

Location. 38° 3.18′ N, 79° 46.852′ W. Marker is in Warm Springs, Virginia, in Bath County. It is on Sam Snead Highway (U.S. 220) just south of Mountain Valley Road eastbound (Virginia Route 39), on the right when traveling south. It is also just north of Mountain Valley Road westbound.

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Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Warm Springs VA 24484, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley,

in the Alleghany Highlands,

and specifically in the Potomac Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Early Bath County Courthouses (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rev. Dr. William H. Sheppard (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Terrill Hill (approx. ¼ mile away); Mary Johnston (approx. half a mile away); Overshoot Wheel (approx. 0.6 miles away); Waterwheel Restaurant Building (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Dinwiddie Mantle (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bath County Historical Society Building (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Warm Springs.

Also see . . . Warm Spring Pools. Atlas Obscura article. Excerpt:

These magnificent crystal springs were discovered centuries ago by Native Americans journeying through the valley. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been in the area for at least 9,000 years. According to Native American stories, people were instantly rejuvenated after bathing in the warm waters of the spring, and it was considered a sacred place.

Soon after, spa houses began being built throughout the 16th century following the European style. These spa houses become even more popular in the following century in places where wealthy southerners would “take the waters” for relaxation.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 25, 2022

2. Warm Springs Baths Marker

But it was the healing promises of the mineral-rich waters that brought Thomas Jefferson to the pools, where he soaked daily for three weeks to try and help his rheumatism. It’s ironic that the pools were named after him, though, as local historians claimed he found the spa quite boring.

(Submitted on October 23, 2022.)

Bath County Welcome Center Gazebo and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 25, 2022

3. Bath County Welcome Center Gazebo and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 476 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 23, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.