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Jefferson Pools
The Jefferson Pools are also known as the Warm Springs Pools, and you’ll find this historic bathhouse under the careful tutelage of The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa.
The original octagonal stone basin that held the water for bathing was built in 1761, establishing it as the first spa structure in America. Originally known as the Warm Springs Bath or the Great Bath, it was not covered by a bathhouse until the mid-1820s, at which point it was covered by a new octagonal frame building. A second structure, the Ladies’ Bathhouse, was built in the mid-1870s.
What’s so special about the water? Local legends say that Native Americans journeying through the valley discovered these magnificent crystal springs hundreds of years ago, and archaeological evidence seems to confirm that this area has been used by humans for at least 9,000 years. From an official standpoint, the United States Geological Survey has determined that these springs have a remarkably uniform rate of flow and temperature. Unaffected by changes in the seasons, the waters remain at a natural body temperature all year and flow at the astounding rate of 1,700,000 gallons per day. The waters have an unusually high level of mineral content and are so crystal clear a book can easily be read through them.
Reservations are required to soak in the pools. Families have their own soaking time of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; otherwise the pools are for adults only. Private soaks can be arranged.
Location
11 Bath Street
Warm Springs, VA 24484
Warm Springs is in Bath County, in the southern district of the Shenandoah Valley.
VisitBathVA.com
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