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Treasure Tour of Berkeley Springs State Park

There is a town, Berkeley Springs, for you to visit today because of the warm mineral springs that naturally bubble up in the tiny state park that is its heart. Source of sparkling and abundant natural water, prized for centuries for drinking and bathing, these thermal springs are also the isnpiration for a longstanding spa industry. Early explorers learned the power of the water to soothe and heal from the Native Americans who were bathing in the springs when the colonials first arrived in the 1740s, earning the springs the title of "the most ancient watering place in the valley."

From frontier time to the present the springs have been known by various names including Hot Springs, Healing Springs, Warm Springs, Frederick Springs and Medicinal Springs. For more than two centuries, the town—officially known as Bath—thrived as a health spa and vacation resort. Today, its ranks among the most noted and popular spa destinations, and is known to the world by the name of its waters, and its postal address—Berkeley Springs.

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TAKING THE WATERS

Through cycles of fashion, notoriety, war and different notions of progress, the healing magic of Berkeley Springs and its warm mineral waters has prevailed. One of the most famous of all Blue Ridge spas, the springs were the prime destination of noted colonial and post-Revolutionary War visitors including George Washington. Illustrious visitors continued through several Golden Ages including the 1840s through ‘60 and the Victorian era. Although there were no great Civil War battles fought in the area, Berkeley Springs was a southern resort and suffered a serious decline in business during the war and the following decade.

Gambling, horseracing and high living were prominent sports during the late 18th century prompting Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury to proclaim the town “that seat of sin.” Gambler Robert Bailey operated most of the town’s hotels in the opening decades of the 19th century.

With the arrival of the railroad in the 1840s, Berkeley Springs flourished as a popular summer resort with guests from Virginia and Baltimore. Colonel John Strother built the 500-room Berkeley Hotel on the south end of the park; the Fairfax Hotel dominated the street along the north side. More than 800 people would visit during the summer season. Both hotels were destroyed by fire at the turn of the 20th century.

Drink and bath cures were prescribed using the warm mineral waters; baths were taken at cool and artifically heated temperatures. Ills ranging from rheumatism, and skin afflictions to digestive and nervous disorders were said to benefit. In spite of medical claims, “taking the waters” most often provided an excuse for social gathering. In 1769, George Washington spent five weeks at the springs and recorded more than 25 dinners, social rides and teas.

John Pendleton Kennedy, a noted resident of Baltimore with generations of family ties to Berkeley Springs, wrote often of his summer visits. In 1853, he brought his friend Washington Irving who loved the major sport of the day -- bowling in the park. Like Washington a century earlier, Kennedy’s days at the springs were filled with rides in the countryside, dips n the pools, dinners and teas.

Victorian times saw the construction of elaborate summer cottages including Berkeley Castle and a season chedule that included splendid balls and band concerts in the park.

BERKELEY SPRINGS STATE PARK

Today’s 4.5 acre Berkeley Springs State Park has always been public ground. Native tribes were known to use the springs but none called it home. Colonial owner Thomas Lord Fairfax allowed its public use.

In 1776 the Virginia Legislature established the 50-acre town of Bath for the purpose of housing those who came to take the waters for their health. Bath Square, the area directly around the springs, was retained for public use and administered by the Bath Trustees.

During the 19th century, the pulblic area was called the Grove thanks to an abundance of large oaks that framed the Promenade where visitors strolled along the springs. Placed under direct control of the state of West Virginia in the early 20th century, it was called Berkeley Springs Sanitarium. In 1970, it was integrated into the state park system. Berkeley Springs State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a site on the Washington Heritage Trail.

Information on park history was developed by Jeanne Mozier through a grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council.

The buildings and monuments of today’s Berkeley Springs State Park reflect both the eternal purpose of the area — “taking the waters” — and the changing fashion of meeting that purpose over the past 250 years.

We begin our tour just south of the Berkeley Springs State Park and historic springs, on the west side of Washington Street (Rt. 522) as it travels north through town.