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.
Historic Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail
Ordered built by the Virginia Assembly in February 1830 as a stagecoach road to the "Old Sweet", one of the most famous and used Springs of the Virginia's due to the warm water healing pool. The Healing Pool and the 1st hotel were used commercially before the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1774.
This historic trail is now open as a mountain hiking trail that will meet the Allegheny Trail and then meet the Appalachian Trail, allowing for all levels of hikers the perfect hiking experience.
Go to: www.ssturnpiketrail.com for more information.
The Quick Family
Doug & Silesia Quick are the kind of friends everyone needs to have. They have been with us for 3 years now, helping with EVERY project we do. Doug is a Military Veteran where he served as Military Police, and acts as Security for large events. Doug helps with any and all work needed. Silesia is the Sweet Springs Co-Activities Director. Silesia has designed, created (made) decorations, and planned activities for Sweet Springs. Their 4 children help as well. Andrew, Abby, Austin & Jax (Jackson) have done everything from helping with construction to sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes. We Thank the Lord for this family.
Maury Johnson
Maury has been invaluable in assisting Sweet Springs. He attends and makes "live" all our events. He donates time, machinery, and plants to the project. Maury was the inspiration for the planting crew that planted and cleaned the grounds all day in May 2021. Maury puts his heart and soul into everything he does.
Chuck & Connie Furbee - Family & Friends
Chuck & Connie Furbee have been friends for many years. Whenever possible they come to Sweet Springs to help get anything and everything done. Their entire family and many friends come with them at times to help support our mission. We really appreciate this family
Okie DuPre
Okie has helped with every event held at Sweet Springs. He is Security for large events (music festivals, etc.), he helps with construction, he helps clean, he helps with about everything. He is a blessing to Sweet Springs. Drives from Christiansburg, VA
Zernie (Zeke) Miller
Zeke doesn't work events so much, but helps with yard work, helps move anything and everything needing moved, helps with maintenance, and more. He is a wonderful asset to Sweet Springs.
Daegen Miller-Frost
Still in high school, a member of Woodrow's robotics team,
plays tennis, and more -
Daegen can not help with all events, but every holiday & during the summer break, he volunteers time at Sweet Springs helping erect the tent, yard work, and other chores around the facility.
Felicia A. Miller
Felicia has helped with several events/work projects at Sweet Springs. She volunteered for the roofing project, removing shingles along with other volunteers. She works the Halloween Haunter House, an has assisted with other events.
Z. Fielding Miller & Lynn Parker Meadows Miller
Newer to the volunteer list is Fielding Miller and Lynn Parker Meadows. They help with the music events - Lynn is our nurse on duty and Fielding is security - the Halloween Haunted House, and whenever they can get the time off. Fielding is a Handyman and former Plumbing Company owner and Lynn holds several nursing certificates so they help whenever they can. They are engaged to be married and will be holding their wedding at Sweet Springs. They drive from Oak Hill, WV
Burn's Family
Mike has worked with the Project Manager for several years. While Mike can not work all events, he and Peggy help whenever they can. Mike helps with construction and grounds keeping - Peggy helps with whatever ask.
We have other volunteers that - at this time - have no really good pictures. They are also invaluable in helping us at Sweet Springs Resort Park. EVERY ONE THAT HELPS is a blessing and appreciated more than you know - the ones listed on this page are those that help almost each and every time.
Rosanna Sacco - Director of Sweet Springs Institute, Rosanna helps in office and with events.
Laura Simmons - Volunteer for office work. Laura is the Sales Department and drives from Covington to assist the Springs.
Jerry Richmond - works in the yard, brings us fresh vegetables, and helps mow.
These fine people also volunteer their time
The Entire Board of Directors - Mark Carrol; Kellis Miller; & Cynthia Tilley
Project Manager - O. Ashby Berkley
Administrative Assistant - Arietta DuPre
Maintenance - Randy DuPre
Author, Media Director - Cindie Harper
Author & Journalist - Michael Barrack