Berkeley Springs State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Berkeley Springs State Park |
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Park buildings
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 Berkeley Springs State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Morgan, West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 7 acres (2.8 ha) |
| Elevation | 617 ft (188 m) |
| Established | July 1, 1970 |
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Berkeley Springs State Park
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| Location | S. Washington and Fairfax Sts., Berkeley Springs, West Virginia |
| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1785 |
| Built by | James Rumsey |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001943 |
| Added to NRHP | May 24, 1976 |
Berkeley Springs State Park is a unique park located right in the center of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. The most famous part of the park is its historic mineral spa. People have visited these natural springs for hundreds of years. They believed the water had special powers to help with health or to simply relax. Even important historical figures like George Washington came here. Today, Berkeley Springs is the only state-run spa in the United States. It is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
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History of Berkeley Springs Park
The land where the park stands has been a popular health resort since the 1750s. It was once owned by Lord Fairfax. A young George Washington, who was only 16 at the time, first visited the spa on March 18, 1748. Every year, an event celebrates this historic visit.
Old maps from as early as 1740 show that people already knew about the special qualities of the springs' water. The land officially became part of Virginia in 1776. The town of Bath, now known as Berkeley Springs, was also officially formed that same year. Before this, it was called Warm Springs.
The historic Roman Bathhouse is the oldest public building in Berkeley Springs. It was built in 1815. It stands where an even older bathhouse, built in 1784 by James Rumsey, once was. The earlier bathhouse had five bathing rooms and changing areas.
The Old Roman Bathhouse building closed for major updates on January 1, 2019. These renovations cost $1 million and included making it easier for people with disabilities to use. They also added new bath tiles, benches, and a new heating system. It reopened after about six months.
Discover the Mineral Springs
Water flows from natural mineral springs at a steady temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit (23.5 degrees Celsius). This water comes from the sandstone rocks of Warm Springs Ridge. Five main springs meet at the spa's location. The water contains natural minerals like sulfates, nitrates, and carbonates, especially magnesium carbonates.
The amount of water flowing from the springs changes. It can be anywhere from 750 to 2,000 gallons (2,800 to 7,600 liters) per minute.
You can bathe in this special water at two bathhouses in the park. You can also drink it from a fountain at the old Gentlemen's Spring House, built in the 1800s. In fact, the springs are the source of all the town's water supply. The main bathhouse has nine separate bathing rooms. Each tub can hold up to 750 gallons of water, heated to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius). These baths are open to everyone all year. The spring water is also bottled and sold.
Berkeley Springs also hosts an exciting event each year: the International Water Tasting Competition. People from all over the world come to taste and judge different waters.
Explore the Museum of the Berkeley Springs
The Museum of the Berkeley Springs is located on the second floor of the main bathhouse. It opened in 1984. The museum shows many historical items. These items tell the story of the springs and the town.
It's free to enter the museum. It is usually open on weekends from March through December. It's a great place to learn more about the park's past.
Images for kids
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"Bathtub" used by George Washington
