Aetna Springs Resort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Aetna Springs Resort
|
|
Main gate of the resort
|
|
 Location in California
|
|
| Location | 1600 Aetna Springs Rd., Pope Valley, California |
|---|---|
| Area | 672 acres (272 ha) |
| Architect | Farr & Ward |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000341 |
| Added to NRHP | March 9, 1987 |
The Aetna Springs Resort is a special historic place. It is located in Pope Valley, in the northeastern part of Napa County, California. This resort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important site in American history. People used to visit this resort for vacations and to relax at its spa.
Contents
Why is it called Aetna Springs?
The resort was named after a nearby hot spring. John Lawley discovered this spring in the 1880s. He owned the Aetna Mines nearby. So, he named the spring "Aetna" after his mines.
A Look at Aetna Springs History
Aetna Springs was started by Chancellor Hartson in 1877. A man named Len D. Owens later bought the property. He was an advertising executive from San Francisco. Owens began to develop the resort and spa in 1891. It quickly became a popular summer spot. Many people from San Francisco and Hollywood came to visit. Len D. Owens was the father of famous writer Frances Marion.
Early Features and Changes
One of the first golf courses west of the Mississippi River was built here. This happened on the resort's property in 1891. George Heibel bought the resort from Owens in 1945. In 1966, Ronald Reagan made an important announcement. He said he would run for Governor of California. He made this speech in the resort's dining hall. Heibel then sold the resort in 1972. It was sold again in 1976 to a non-profit organization.
Recent Times at Aetna Springs
On June 9, 2009, it was announced that Aetna Springs Resort would close. Snell Valley is located just north of the resort. In early 2012, plans were approved to fix up the resort. They planned to renovate 28 buildings and build a new lodge. Alchemy Resorts bought the property in 2018.
In August 2020, people at Aetna Springs had to leave. This was because of the Hennessey Fire. This large wildfire burned over 315,000 acres (127,000 ha). It affected five counties, including the area around Aetna Springs. In 2023, it was announced that the resort will be restored. It will reopen as Six Senses Napa Valley in 2026.
Aetna Springs in Books
Aetna Springs is the setting for a book by Frances Marion. Her book is called Valley People. It is a collection of short stories published in 1935.
See also
In Spanish: Aetna Springs (California) para niños
