Cuthbert Bullitt petitioned the assembly in 1778 to establish a town at "Little Warm Springs," which was the early name for Hot Springs. At the time, he explained that it was extremely difficult to procure building materials. Bullitt's petition was submitted while he was a resident of the valley.
The hottest spring in Bath County, Virginia is 106 degrees. Located in the Warm Springs Valley, the Hot Springs are a group of six flowing fountains. The springs contain 43 grains of mineral salts per gallon, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulphuric acid, carbonic acid, and chlorine. The high mineral content of the springs, especially the calcium, is likely due to the limestone strata that makes up the valley floor. The Hot Springs are beneficial for treating rheumatic ailments, nervous and dyspeptic disorders, and liver, kidney, and female diseases.
Key Geographical Features & Their Impacts
●
Location & Size: Bath County is situated on the western border of Virginia
.
It's larger than the average county in Virginia and West Virginia,
though it was once even larger, encompassing land that's now in those
states. The county's location on a natural travel and commerce route has been crucial to its evolution.
●
Mountainous Terrain: Mountains are a dominant feature of Bath County's geography
.
The western border is defined by the Appalachian Mountains, which serve
as a natural boundary separating waters flowing towards the Atlantic
from those going towards the Mississippi.
Within the county, Warm Springs Mountain and Jack Mountain form a
central divide, splitting Bath into two primary valleys: Jackson's River
and the Cowpasture. The many mountain ridges and gaps influenced early travel routes for both indigenous peoples and white settlers. These features also led to the county's development primarily along rivers and in lower valley areas.
However, this terrain has also posed challenges to transportation and
the development of agriculture beyond the fertile bottomlands
.
●
Rivers & Waterways: The central divide created by the mountains results in the two main valleys of Jackson's River and the Cowpasture
.
These rivers, along with their tributaries, were important for early
settlement and continue to be key features of the landscape. The rivers' rapid flow and the presence of sandstone areas contribute to a plentiful supply of freshwater springs.
●
Climate: Bath County has a favorable climate due to its elevation
. The mountains provide a buffer from harsh weather, leading to a more temperate climate than other areas at the same latitude.
Shenandoah Mountain, in particular, mitigates the harsh east winds
common along the coast, while the Appalachians offer protection from
northwesterly winds. This favorable climate has made Bath County a desirable place to live and contributed to the success of its tourism industry.
●
Natural Resources
The county is abundant in natural resources. The mountains contain
valuable deposits of iron ore and building stones, though these remain
largely undeveloped
. The numerous mineral springs, especially along the Cowpasture River, are a defining feature.
The presence of these springs, both warm and cool, with varying mineral
compositions, led to the development of Bath County as a spa and health
destination.
Impact of Tourism
The
mineral springs and favorable climate have been instrumental in shaping
a significant tourism industry in Bath County, particularly in Warm
Springs valley
. This industry has created a distinct "tourist Bath," coexisting with the older, agricultural Bath.
While the tourism sector provides economic support to the county,
there's a recognized social divide between these two aspects of Bath
County life.
The presence of large resorts attracts a wealthy demographic, primarily from outside the county, leading to a distinct labor class largely serving the tourism industry.
The
sources provided do not offer much information on other impacts of Bath
County's geography on its development in areas like transportation
infrastructure or the potential of its mineral resources. The text does
mention the importance of the railroad in the development of nearby
Alleghany County and suggests that a similar comprehensive railroad
system could have benefitted Bath County.
The Significance of Mineral Springs to Bath County
The mineral springs, particularly the Hot Springs, significantly shaped Bath County's economy, even in its early days. As early as 1750, the springs were acknowledged for their therapeutic benefits, attracting individuals seeking to improve their health. Dr. Thomas Goode's acquisition of the springs in 1832 marked a turning point. Under his management, the popularity of the springs surged, drawing approximately 6,000 visitors annually by 1838.
This influx of visitors contributed to the growth of Bath County's economy, transforming it into a health and leisure destination, particularly for those seeking relief from rheumatism, nervous disorders, and digestive problems.
Beyond their inherent value, the springs spurred development within the county. This growth is best exemplified by the establishment of a 25-mile railroad spur connecting Hot Springs to the Chesapeake & Ohio's main line at Covington.
This infrastructure project, undertaken by the corporation that acquired the springs, underscores the springs' economic impact and their role in driving transportation improvements to accommodate the growing influx of visitors. The significance of the springs extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the springs themselves.
The presence of the springs led to the development of support services such as hotels, roadways, bridle paths, and footpaths, creating a network of economic activity centered around the springs. This growth established a distinct "tourist Bath," existing alongside the traditional agricultural community. This duality highlights the profound impact the springs have had in shaping Bath County's identity.
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The first courthouse in Bath County, Virginia, was constructed opposite the grounds of the Warm Springs hotel. This brick building is still standing today.
Although the county was officially organized in 1791, the first courthouse wasn't built for over a decade. Before the courthouse was erected, the county court was held in several different locations.
In 1791, the court met at the home of Margaret Lewis. The following year, the court was held in the clerk's office and later in the upstairs room of the jail. In 1795, a committee was formed to create plans for a stone courthouse; however, there is no evidence that this building was ever constructed.
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William Jackson gave his name to Jackson's River, which runs more than three miles through the land he took up. He may have been the first settler on the upper course of Jackson's River. He could not have been living in the valley in 1740, when he succeeded James Pickett as constable. His home on Jackson's River was probably near the site of Fort Dinwiddie.
William Jackson died on June 1, 1750. His estate was valued at $1106.07. The appraisement, conducted by Ralph Laverty, George Wilson, and Archibald Elliot, lists 23 horses, 18 cattle, and some timothy seed. A lancet and a "tooth drawers" are also listed among the property.
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The Native Americans called the Cowpasture River the Walatoola (Wah-lah-too-lah). White settlers corrupted the name to Wallawhatoola, which is now only used as the name of an alum spring above Nimrod Hall. Although "Wallawhatoola" has been thought to mean "the river that bends" or "winding river," its real meaning is "fine white cedar."
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The Cowpasture River was known as Clover Creek until 1760.
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