Bath County, Virginia has a rich history,

 

Bath County, Virginia, has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the early 18th century. Here's a summary of its key historical points, drawing from the sources:

Early Exploration and Settlement:

• In 1727, a petition was sent to the Virginia Governor and Council requesting land for settlement on the head branches of the James River, west of the Cowpasture River. This petition was not acted upon, but the Cowpasture River had already acquired its present name by this time.
• The first surveys in Bath County were made on September 26, 1745, for Adam Dickinson by Thomas and Andrew Lewis.
• It is likely that no settlers were present in Bath County before 1743.
• The first settlements were in the valley of the Cowpasture River, towards the North in 1745, and in the valley of the Jackson River in 1746.
• The Jackson River was named for William Jackson, who owned a large tract of land there.

Conflicts with Native Americans:

• The arrival of white settlers was met with hostility from the Native Americans.
• The early settlers viewed the Indians with suspicion.
• The Scotch-Irish settlers particularly despised the Indians, denying their rights.
• Cruel warfare was inflicted on the white settlers by the Indians until the defeat of Pontiac in 1763.

Formation of the County:

• Bath County was created on December 14, 1790, from parts of Augusta, Botetourt, and Greenbrier Counties.
• From 1790-1822, the county included more territory than it does today, which historians refer to as "Greater Bath".
• The first court convened on May 10, 1791, at the home of Margaret Lewis in Warm Springs.
• The first justices were John Bollar, J. Dean, J. Poage, William Poage, Samuel Vance, and John Wilson.
• Sampson Matthews was the first sheriff and Charles Cameron was the first clerk.
• William Poage was the first surveyor, and Samuel Vance was the first coroner.

Geography and Environment

• Bath County is mountainous with long, narrow valleys.
• It lies on the western border of Virginia, divided by the central ridge of the Appalachians.
• The county is divided into two main valleys, the Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers.
• Sub-valleys include the Warm Springs Valley, Big and Little Back Creek Valleys, Dry Run, Stuart's Creek, Porter's Mill Creek and Padd's Creek.
• The climate is pleasant, with an altitude of 2,200 feet that provides relief from summer heat, and mountain ridges that protect from storms.
• The Warm Springs Mountain divides the county.
• The county is approximately 548 square miles, or 352,720 acres.

Economic Activities:

• The main crops include hay, wheat, corn, and oats.
• Fruits, especially apples, pears, plums, and peaches, are also grown.
• The county is well-suited for sheep and cattle raising.
• Grazing, farming, and forest product enterprises are the chief industries.
• There are numerous sawmills, and a broom factory has been established.
• Manganese and iron ore are found in the mountains, but have not been extensively developed.

The Springs and Resorts:

• The springs in Bath County are known for their curative qualities.
• Hot Springs has a spring of 106 degrees, while Warm Springs has pools of 98 degrees.
• Healing Springs, Bolar Springs, Bath Alum, and Millboro Springs also have notable springs.
• The Virginia Hot Springs Company bought properties at Hot Springs, Warm Springs, and Healing Springs in 1890 and later, connecting them with a macadam road.
• The company developed the Hot Springs into a modern resort, with bath houses, doctors, golf, tennis, and other amenities.

Churches and Education:

• The Windy Cove Presbyterian Church, built in 1752, was the first Protestant church west of the Shenandoah Mountain.
• Early settlers, of Scotch-Irish descent, were interested in education.
• The first school house was established in 1779 in Indian Draft near Stuart's Creek.
• Public schools developed slowly with free tuition adopted in 1846.

Revolutionary War and Other Conflicts

• The Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774 is considered by some to be the start of the Revolutionary War.
• Although no battles occurred in Bath during the Revolution, men from the area served in the war.
• A company raised in 1774 was placed under Col. Charles Lewis, and another company was raised at Warm Springs in 1780 that was present at Cornwallis’ surrender.
• Bath men also fought in the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
• The Bath Squadron, composed of two companies, was part of the Eleventh Cavalry during the Civil War.
• The 52nd Infantry also included many soldiers from Bath.
• Hotels in Warm Springs Valley were used as Confederate Hospitals.

Later History:

• During World War I, Bath County contributed significantly to the war effort, with the women of the county leading these efforts.
• An avenue of trees was planted in memory of the soldiers, and a memorial stone was unveiled in July 1920.
• Warm Springs is the county seat, where court convenes four times a year.
• The first Clerk's office was located at Fassifern Farm.
• The county's population is approximately 7,500.

Other Points of Interest:

• Blowing Cave near Millboro Springs is a natural curiosity that expels cold air in summer and draws it in during the winter.
• Flag Rock, with an elevation of 3,500 feet, offers a scenic view.
• The Flowing Spring near Williamsville is a spring that flows intermittently.
• The Cascades near Healing Springs, and the Falls at Falling Springs Run, are notable natural features.

Roads:

• Early roads were rough trails, but a macadam road was built to connect Warm Springs and Healing Springs.

This summary highlights the key aspects of Bath County's history, from its early settlement to its development into a resort destination. The county's history has been shaped by its geography, its people, and significant historical events.