Warm Springs, Virginia

Warm Springs is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of Bath County, Virginia, United States.[1] The population as of the 2020 census was 121.[2] It lies along U.S. Route 220 near the center of the county. Warm Springs includes the historical mill town called Germantown. To the west lies West Warm Springs.

Warm Springs, Virginia
Warm Springs is located in Virginia
Warm Springs
Warm Springs
Location in Virginia
Warm Springs is located in the United States
Warm Springs
Warm Springs
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 38°2′46″N 79°47′26″W / 38.04611°N 79.79056°W / 38.04611; -79.79056
CountryUnited States
StateVirginia
CountyBath
Elevation
2,270 ft (690 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total123
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code
24484

History and geography

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The community grew up around the courthouse and the nearby Jefferson Pools. The Bath County Health Department, Sheriff's Department, and other county offices are located adjacent to the courthouse. The Warm Springs Post Office handles mail for the 24484 zip code. Other notable landmarks in Warm Springs are the Bath County Historical Society and the Waterwheel Restaurant, which is located inside of a converted mill. Warm Springs Gallery, located just downhill from the courthouse, specializes in contemporary fine art. Apart from these landmarks, Warm Springs is primarily residential in character, with many renovated inns and historic homes which serve as accommodation for out-of-town visitors. The Cowpasture River to the east across Warm Springs Mountain draws visitors for fishing and kayaking.

Bath County is fairly unusual in Virginia in that it contains no incorporated towns. Nearby Hot Springs is perhaps more well-known than Warm Springs, though the two are separated by only a few miles.

Jefferson Pools, Hidden Valley Rock Shelter (44BA31), Homestead Dairy Barns, Oakley Farm, and Three Hills are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[3][4]

 
Gentlemen's Pool House, built 1761. The spa waters flow through the center of the building. President Thomas Jefferson bathed here.
 
Ladies's Pool House on left, built 1836, with open foot spa in front and spa reception to right

In his classic first-person account of the American Civil War, Co Aytch, the former Confederate private Sam Watkins mentions staying in Warm Springs and enjoying the "little past tepid" baths.

References

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  1. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  2. ^ Warm Springs CDP, Virginia - Census Bureau Tables. United States Census Bureau. Accessed 2024-11-06.
  3. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  4. ^ "National Register of Historic Places Listings". Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 12/23/13 through 12/27/13. National Park Service. January 3, 2014.
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