The History Behind This Remote Hotel In Virginia Is Both Eerie And Fascinating
By Beth|Published January 27, 2018
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
The Homestead is an iconic hotel of Virginia with an undeniably fascinating history. Founded in 1766, the giant hotel seemingly in the middle of nowhere was purposefully constructed near Virginia’s largest supply of hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. Here’s more on the fascinating – and slightly eerie – history behind the Homestead.
What stands today as Virginia's most iconic resort saw its humble beginnings in 1764, when Captain Thomas Bullett was awarded a colonial land grant of 300 acres in present-day Hot Springs, Virginia.
The land was cleared and the first version of the hotel was built as an 18-room wooden hotel. In its 250 years of existence, the Homestead has seen plenty of transformation and history.
It wasn't long before folks from all over discovered the healing property of the hot springs and mineral waters. Shown below is a group enjoying the Cascades Gorge hike circa 1896.
The property was owned by several different families until the fire in 1901 which consumed most of the hotel. The postcard shows the rebuilt hotel as it appeared in 1911. Ingalls, who was president at the time of the fire, sat down with the investors and decided to rebuild the resort.
Another major draw to the Homestead was -- and still is today -- the golf courses. The first course was built in 1892 and is still open today. PGA Tour Champion Sam Snead, who grew up in the Hot Springs area, was the famed golf pro at the hotel for decades.
The iconic tower, which is the hallmark feature of the hotel, wasn't completed until 1929. Today, this landmark peering out of the mountains marks the resort's location in an otherwise remote area.
Legend has it that there was a wedding set to take place at the Homestead in the early 1900s. With a case of cold feet, the groom fled without telling his bride. She searched for him frantically and eventually died of heartbreak.
Guests and staff members alike have reported incidents of seeing this bride roaming the halls and frantically asking for the time. Apparently she is waiting for the time when her groom will again return to her.
A visit to the Homestead today reveals gorgeous scenery, historic tours to enjoy, and perhaps even a visit from a ghost or two. It's no mystery why this site is one of the most treasured historic landmarks in all of Virginia.
The Omni Homestead Resort is located at 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, VA 24445. Have you visited this historic hotel before? Perhaps even had a paranormal encounter here? We’d love to hear about it! For related content, you’ll love reading about The Virginia Hotel That May Just Be The Most Beautiful In The World.
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