Eastern United States

The Roman Bath House (Berkeley Springs) - West Virginia

07/02/2020

West Virginia is repeatedly mentioned in the lyrics of John Denver's famous song "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

There is a mineral spring that was loved by George Washington, the first president of the United States.

Berkeley Springs State Park

West Virginia is a state rich in nature, as sung in "Country Roads".

Berkeley Springs, the only spa town in the state, is less than a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C.

Berkeley Springs State Park 3

A small state park located in the middle of the small town.

Pool

There was a family pool just beyond the first channel.

Berkeley Springs State Park 1

The second channel ran along the edge of the park facing the hill, with springs concentrated between the slope and the channel.

Old Roman Bathhouse 1

The original Lord Fairfax Spring was one of the most active mineral springs.

Old Roman Bathhouse 2

The pool was enclosed in a rectangular shape with concrete and exposed bedrock.

The water was clear and 75 degrees F.

The Original Lord Fairfax Spring Bath 2

In 1748, George Washington, a young man of 16, visited this area in the service of Lord Fairfax.

Records show that he often revisited here after achieving fame as the first president.

I wondered if he was reminiscing about his first visit and feeling refreshed.

The Original Lord Fairfax Spring Bath 1

At the back of the other rectangular pool, the Old Roman Bathhouse, built in 1815, still existed.

Old Roman Bathhouse 3

When I saw it, it was under renovation, but it is expected to reopen when the pandemic is over.

Fountain 01

Next to the old bathhouse, there was a drinking fountain.

The water was soft and refreshing.

George Washington Bath Tub
Alpaca
This is the George Washington Bath Tub.
Tiny!
Capybara

The first presidential tub was so small.

I was told that this was actually a reproduction and not based on historical facts, but I found the gap interesting.

Ladies' Spring

Main Bath House

The old bathhouse was at the north end of the park, and the new one is at the south end.

The "new" bathhouse means the main bathhouse, established in 1929.

Main Bathhouse

I waited for my turn in the fancy waiting room.

There were five bathrooms, all of which were reserved for private use.

Lobby

Before taking a bath, I was taken to the changing room and changed into a bathrobe.

Changing Room

All the guests had to use only one changing room at different times.

Spa 2

It seemed that those who ordered spa menus other than soaking would receive their treatments in this large room.

Spa 1

I was shown to a long, narrow private room.

The pool was already filled with hot water, and there were plenty of towels and drinking water.

Private Bath 3

The spring was still cold, so it was heated by steam and kept at 102 degrees F.

Private Bath 1

It was a small, quiet, and relaxing space.

With a twist of the lever, the cold spring water was poured in with a rumbling sound.

Private Bath 2

The water temp in the pool dropped even lower, which was going to be a nice temperature in the summer.

Almost heaven, West Virginia!

Summary

The Roman Bath House, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, U.S.

My rating

Type: Walk-in

Rule: Private pool

Chlorination: Not detected

Water temp: Artificially heated water

Official website

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