Rockbridge Alum Springs Historic District facts for kids
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Rockbridge Alum Springs Historic District
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Open lawns in the complex, with the camp dining hall in the distance
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| Location | Address Restricted, near California, Virginia |
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| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1853 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 88003204 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 19, 1989 |
The Rockbridge Alum Springs Historic District is a special place in Rockbridge County, Virginia, USA. It was once a popular mountain resort in the 1800s and early 1900s. Today, it is known as Rockbridge Alum Springs - A Young Life Camp.
This area is called a historic district because it has many old buildings and sites that are important to history. Most of these buildings were built in the 1850s. They show what a busy resort looked like a long time ago.
Contents
What is Rockbridge Alum Springs?
Rockbridge Alum Springs was a famous resort where people went to relax and enjoy the natural springs. People believed the water from these springs had health benefits. It was a popular vacation spot for many years.
Buildings and Structures
The historic district includes 16 main buildings that are still standing. These are called "contributing buildings" because they help tell the story of the resort. Some of these buildings include:
- The Alum Springs Pavilion
- Montgomery Hall
- The Gothic Building
- The Ladies Hotel
- Several cottages, like those in Baltimore Row and Kentucky Row
- A store and post office
- A building that was once a barroom
- Jordan's House and a storehouse
There are also 4 "contributing structures." These are things like:
- A well
- The stone chambers around the springs
- A gazebo
- The Jordan Alum Springs bandstand
Historic Sites
The district also has 10 "contributing sites." These are places where buildings once stood but are now gone. They are still important because they show where parts of the resort used to be.
History of the Resort
The Rockbridge Alum Springs resort was very popular in the 1800s. People would travel from far away to visit. It was known as one of the best-preserved resorts of its kind in Virginia before the American Civil War.
The resort stayed open until 1941. After that, it was no longer used as a public resort.
Rockbridge Alum Springs Today
Since 1992, the property has been owned and operated by Young Life. This is a Christian youth organization. They use the historic site as a year-round campground. Young people come here for camps and activities.
The Rockbridge Alum Springs Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means it is recognized as an important historical place in the United States.
