Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation Inc.
The current hotel building is the 3rd hotel building and was designed by THOMAS JEFFERSON
The 1st hotel on the property and the warm water healing pool were in use before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
October 15, 2023
The Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail opened to the public. This trail will go to top of Peters Mountain and meet the Allegheny Trail once it is completed from Fincastle VA to top of Peters Mountain. This will complete the marriage of the Allegheny and Appalachian trails.
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Picture on left - possibly the largest Oak tree in WV - located on the SST Trail.
Some Facts
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Between 1795 and 1807 the District Courthouse was located here on the Sweet Springs property. Of course, this was a VA Courthouse as WV had not become a state yet.
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The oldest stone-built jail and oldest frame-built house west of the Alleghanies still stand on the property.
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Some of the guests here throughout the history was: 8 of the first 10 Presidents; James & Dolly Madison; Millard Fillmore; Martin Van Buren; Franklin Pierce; Patrick Henry; Robert E. Lee; The Marquis de Lafayette; Jerome Bonaparte (Napoleon’s Brother); and more.
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C 1790, Anne Newport wed William Royall – a wealthy American Revolution Major Freemason and Deist. William saw to it that Anne received a proper education, and while married, lived here on the Sweet Springs property (the foundation to the house is still here). After William’s death, his family took Anne to court and took everything – leaving her penniless. Anne caught John Quincy Adams bathing in a river and took his clothes until he would listen to what she had to say. Anne became great friends with the Adams family, and thanks to her education, Anne Royall became the first noted woman journalist, editor, and writer. Upon her death, Anne was buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC.
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To date, everyone here is volunteer …..we have completed over 2.0 million in restoration with all work being done as true as possible to the 1833 design. WE HAVE NO LOANS, but operate strictly on Grants, Donations, and Fundraisers. ALL donations over $50 are tax deductible, and over $10,000 is a great tax write off.
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Sweet Springs Park has 2 unique water attractions: (1) The pure drinking waters which have been tested and reported as some of the purest in the world, and (2) the warm water pool where the water remains 73 degrees year-round. This is the same pool in which there are many “healing stories”.
This Jeffersonian project offers opportunities in: Education, Economics, History, Culture, The Arts, and can attract INTERNATIONAL attention. Sweet Springs lies within a 6- hour drive of 60% of the US population.
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The oldest Jail/Courthouse west of the Allegheny Mountains
The Warm Water Healing Pool is internationally famous and was the reason colonization began in this area.
Our Projects.
Below are three of the projects that will take place as soon as funding is secured and work can begin. An estimated cost is provided for each project, highlighting the magnitude and the amount of assistance required through grants, donations, in-kind work, and volunteer work necessary for the restoration to be complete and the Old Sweet revived.
Project 4Warm Water Pool House
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The water at the pool remains a constant 73 degrees year round. This wonderful historic pool is the beginning of the Sweet Springs history. We need volunteers to help clean the area around the pool in preparation to begin stabilization of the building so restoration can begin. Total cost for this restoration is approx. To Stabilize the building -$100,000.00
To complete restoration - $275,000.00
Photo by Millie Mattox
Project 2. Roof Repairs
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All of the intricate Jefferson style "dental mold" on the eaves will be restored.
The roofing (asphalt & slate) has been pretty much repaired (a little structural work to slate area needs completed).
With the roof repaired we are starting on the gutters, downspouts, and facia. We always welcome Volunteers and donations to help with our grant match.
TOTAL Estimated cost of gutters & downspouts: $148,000.00
Roofing repairs total cost was $345,000.00
Photo by Steve Jessee
Project 3. Restoration of 1 wing in historic hotel
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It is our desire to get 1 (one) wing of the grand hotel restored and usable. This includes water in building (already started), internet in building (working on that), and restoration to the rooms. Once again, volunteers for prep work and donations are needed for this phase.
Approximate Cost: $250,000.00 The price of materials keep increasing.
Photo by Millie Mattox