WEST VIRGINIA RESORT SPRINGS

Summer is here and as always I try and find something adventurous to do, and with the escalation of fuel cost I've determined that maybe Rachel and I should stay close to home.

That being said, several months ago Rachel and I came across a book which described the location and the history behind some of the resort style springs here in West Virginia and Virginia. So I thought, maybe this summer Rachel and I would pack up the truck, camping gear and all, and try to find a few of the lesser known Springs here in West Virginia, many of which have fallen into ruins and are for the most part non-existent.

To those of you unfamiliar with spring style resorts; "springs" came into in fashion during the 1800's when the social elite escaped the cities for cooler mountain locations and to socialize with those of social distinction. Many of the resorts warm waters supposedly held medicinal purposes and attracted visitors to the region in an attempt heal whatever ailed them at the time. One such visitor was George Washington who was rumored to visit spring locations on a regular basis. Perhaps you have heard of his favorite spring? In the 1700's it was known as Bath, Virginia... you may know it today as Berkeley Springs WV.

Visiting springs throughout the south was not uncommon as a matter of fact "making the circuit" was common practice as the social elite would travel from one spring resort to another. Although, the practice began as means to escape the stifling heat of the city and to receive treatment for ailments, it to quickly became an indicator of social status to be seen at several resorts each season, thus "making the circuit" evolved.

This past weekend while visiting Rachel's friends in Keyser WV we made a little side trip to one of those many springs here in WV; Green Springs located an hour southeast of Cumberland MD and 2 hours west of Washington DC offers a ghost tale of the past.

The community of Green Springs still host a population of 75 or so people, the community itself is unique in that it sits at a cross roads for rail service, with lines approaching the town from the south with intersecting lines heading east to west just north of the community.

The spring and buildings associated with the resort have long since disappeared leaving nothing more than a green space of heavy trees and underbrush to hide its former location, as a matter fact the community itself does little to advertise the former resort location. If I for the small community kiosk information I would have missed the map that was on display which detailed the community building by building.

Although not drawn to scale, the child like map did help in determining the original location of Green Springs resort. If for some strange reason you find yourself in the area of Green Springs please make note of the Wild Horse Saloon on the edge of town, directly behind the saloon is the original location of the resort. While in the town make a right at the first major intersection you come to and drive approximately half a mile until you come to the low level bridge across the Potomac, just across the river lies the C&O Canal and tow path.

Rachel and I were unable to cross the river during our visit due to the recent flooding, but for the adventurous the bridge appears to be in sound condition and is used daily by local residents working in Cumberland area and for those who catch commuter trains from the Cumberland depot heading east to DC.

Would I recommend Green Springs to tourist? Probably not as a destination, but if you are in the area certainly stop by. Make sure and top off the tank before you leave the main road; maybe pick up a few supplies for a make shift picnic lunch as well, Green Springs offers a very nice community park which is located just 200 ft east of the original resort site.

Next stop Capon and Lost Springs, later this summer we head south in search of more former resort style springs located here in the state, many located in the hills around the Greenbrier Resort.

Explore West Virginia you'll be glad you did and remember the destination is not always as important as the trip getting there.