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Blogs by Jayne D'Alessandro-Cox
The Homestead's Jefferson Pools 3/26/2015 2:33:21 AM
http://www.jaynedalessandrocox.com/#!blog/caeq My husband and I visited The Homestead 1766 resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. While there, we both discovered the mineral spring waters, minutes from the resort, that Thomas Jefferson used as therapy for his rheumatoid arthritis. While soaking in the legendary mineral spring waters, we could understand why Jefferson pronounced them to be "the very best". There, we experienced complete relaxation of mind and body as we restored our spirit in the natural mineral spring waters of the legendary Jefferson Pools.
The magnificent, naturally warm mineral springs are located just five miles down the road (Rt. 220/Sam Snead Highway) from The Homestead 1766 resort, now owned and operated by The Omni Hotels. The Pools were originally developed as a spa resort in the mid 1750's. On June 1, 1761, an octagonal wooden building was opened to the public. To my surprise, the experience intentionally remains very much as it was back then. When you first see it, the first thought that comes to mind is, "Is this old building actually the spa?" Looking beyond the 18th century appearance, and after "taking the waters" inside, its authenticity was actually very charming. I couldn't help but imagine sitting across from Thomas Jefferson himself.
Once opened, Warm Springs expanded rapidly as a spa resort. Hotels, dining rooms and kitchens, taverns, livery stables and blacksmith shops, as well as a church, laundry and related buildings were built to accommodate the growing number of guests. On August 13, 1818, at the age 75, Thomas Jefferson was one of those travelers, who arrived at The Homestead to "take the waters" for his rheumatism. Jefferson stayed at The Homestead for over three weeks, "taking the waters" down the road several times each day.
