Historic Spas: The Jefferson Pools at The Homestead, Virginia
Experience complete relaxation of mind and body as you restore your spirit in the natural mineral spring waters of the legendary Jefferson Pools at the historic Homestead Resort in Virginia. For over nine thousand years these springs have refreshed and rejuvenated the fortunate few who knew of their powers.
After the jump, a photo gallery, and Thomas Jefferson takes the waters.
Thomas Jefferson was one of those travelers, arriving in 1818 at the age of 75, and suffering from what he described as "rheumatism." He stayed for over three weeks, taking the waters several times each day, in the Gentlemen's Pool House that continues to be used to this day. On August 13, 1818, Jefferson rode to The Homestead, where he enjoyed breakfast and dinner, and soaked in the legendary hot springs. In a letter dated August 14, 1818 to his daughter Martha, Jefferson spread the reputation of our therapeutic natural mineral spring waters at both Warm Springs and The Homestead: he described them in glowing terms, saying that they were "of the first merit." And so, these historic natural spring pools are named in honor of their most illustrious patron - they are The Homestead's Jefferson Pools.
On June 1st, 1836 a separate Ladies Pool House was opened, fed by a separate spring whose waters have the same properties as those which supply the adjacent Gentlemen's Pool House.
The Jefferson Pools are continuously fed by several natural mineral springs from deep beneath the earth. The superlative, crystal clear spring waters at the Jefferson Pools are rich in minerals, and are a constant 98 degrees at their source - perfect, natural body temperature. Taking the waters at the Jefferson Pools continues to be a favorite activity today, and it is just as relaxing and restorative as it was in 1761 when the Gentlemen's Pool House was built.
Jefferson Soak
Soak in these legendary mineral spring waters for an hour and you will understand why Jefferson pronounced them to be the very best. A restorative that has found favor since ancient times, and is sure to be your favorite, too. $17.00
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