History is alive and well in Berkeley Springs, the country’s first spa, part of daily life for both residents and visitors.

You can follow in centuries-old footsteps by “taking the waters” in historic Roman Baths or contemporary spas and with every glass of water in fine restaurants and cafes. There are self-guided tours of everything from Berkeley Springs State Park and the historic town of Berkeley Springs (Bath) to a county-wide driving tour of George Washington-related sites.

A delightful Museum of the Berkeley Springs is open year ‘round on the second floor of the Roman Bath House in Berkeley Springs State Park. Geneological records are available at the Berkeley Springs Public Library with Historical Society volunteers on hand to help most mornings.

Bath, the colonial town that remains the official municipality for what the world knows as Berkeley Springs, was named a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2006, Berkeley Springs was named a WV certified Historic Preservation Community.

The Story of Berkeley Springs

Berkeley Springs, a fountainhead of warm mineral waters frequented by Native Americans long before Europeans arrived in the New World, are at the heart of a mountain spa community in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. First noted as Medicine Springs in 1747 on a map drawn by Thomas Jefferson's father, the waters for many centuries have drawn visitors seeking health and relief from the stress of everyday life.

In 1776, George Washington's family and friends drew up a plat of 134 lots, named the streets, and incorporated The Town of Bath, invoking the muses of the renowned English spa. Yet the magic of the springs prevailed, and the town and surrounding area are known by their name -- Berkeley Springs.

The waters flow at a constant 74°F from the base of Warm Springs Ridge. You may still drink freely and fill your jugs at Lord Fairfax's public tap, and wade in the ancient stone pools in the nation's smallest state park. The town has endured cycles of notoriety, fashion, war and modern progress, but remains the Country's First Spa, a quiet, friendly haven surrounded by West Virginia's splendid outdoors.

Places To Find History

• The Washington Heritage Trail in Morgan County
• The Washington Heritage Trail in the Eastern Panhandle
• Treasure Tour of Berkeley Springs State Park
• Walking Tour of Berkeley Springs
• About the Water
• George Washington Archives
• Museum of The Berkeley Springs
• Berkeley Castle -- [The Berkeley Castle is no longer open for tours].
• Berkeley Springs State Park -- 1-800-CALL-WVA
• The Town of Bath Historic Landmark Commission

Articles

• The Early Days of Bath
• Romance At The Springs
• Where is Bath?
• The Famous & Obscure Both Came to Berkeley Springs