One of the state's best known spas is located at Berkeley Springs, in Morgan County. The first white settlers came to Berkeley Springs about 1730 and were of Scotch, Irish and German descent. The Springs were then known as Warm Springs, later Frederick Springs and still later as Berkeley Springs. Authentic history had its real beginning March 18, 1748 when George Washington visited 'Ye Fam'd Warm Springs' as one of a party of surveyors.
Lord Fairfax had become greatly interested in the healing waters of the medicinal springs which were a part of an inheritance by a grant from the British Crown. He re-conveyed them, with fifty acres of adjacent land, to the Colony of Virginia. These Springs were to be forever free to the public for the welfare of suffering humanity.
In October 1776, 'Bath' was established as a town by an act of the General Assembly of Virginia. Trustees were appointed to lay off lots and administer its affairs. The name 'Bath' was given it after the English resort of that name. Lots were laid off in 1777 and sold to the public. Among the purchasers were three signers of the Declaration of Independence, three signers of the Constitution, six members of the Continental Congress and six Revolutionary War Generals.
In 1859 Col. John Strother built a new hotel on the land adjoining the mineral springs and bath houses. This hotel accommodated 500 guests, and was a popular destination until it was destroyed by fire in 1897. The site remained vacant until 1933 when the central unit of Park View Inn, the new Berkeley Springs Hotel, was built.
It was a gala day, May 15, 1933, when the new Park View Inn was opened. At long last, Berkeley Springs had hotel accommodations to match the scenic beauty and health-giving qualities of the springs and baths that had made the town famous since George Washington's time. The Park View Inn changed hands again in 1972. The new owners, the Barkers, were attracted by the tranquil mountain setting and the genuine friendliness of the people, which fostered a desire to become a part of the community. He said his philosophy was summed up like this "If you really want to establish yourself in an area - invest in it".
In 2006 the current owners, Stjepan and Nancy Sostaric purchased The Inn and Spa of Berkeley Springs and announced the hotel would again be called The Country Inn, as it was for three decades.
“The Country Inn served as the lynchpin of the thriving tourism industry and the focal point of many community activities for all the years it operated under the ownership of the late Jack and Adele Barker,” said Nancy Sostaric.
“Our plan is to make it the social, commercial and tourism center for Berkeley Springs, Morgan County and the surrounding communities,” Sostaric said. “Our goal is to recreate The Country Inn as the perfect location for the celebration of special events, as well as regular breakfasts, lunches and dinners for organizations and businesses in the Berkeley Springs area,” Sostaric said.
Lord Fairfax had become greatly interested in the healing waters of the medicinal springs which were a part of an inheritance by a grant from the British Crown. He re-conveyed them, with fifty acres of adjacent land, to the Colony of Virginia. These Springs were to be forever free to the public for the welfare of suffering humanity.
In October 1776, 'Bath' was established as a town by an act of the General Assembly of Virginia. Trustees were appointed to lay off lots and administer its affairs. The name 'Bath' was given it after the English resort of that name. Lots were laid off in 1777 and sold to the public. Among the purchasers were three signers of the Declaration of Independence, three signers of the Constitution, six members of the Continental Congress and six Revolutionary War Generals.
In 1859 Col. John Strother built a new hotel on the land adjoining the mineral springs and bath houses. This hotel accommodated 500 guests, and was a popular destination until it was destroyed by fire in 1897. The site remained vacant until 1933 when the central unit of Park View Inn, the new Berkeley Springs Hotel, was built.
It was a gala day, May 15, 1933, when the new Park View Inn was opened. At long last, Berkeley Springs had hotel accommodations to match the scenic beauty and health-giving qualities of the springs and baths that had made the town famous since George Washington's time. The Park View Inn changed hands again in 1972. The new owners, the Barkers, were attracted by the tranquil mountain setting and the genuine friendliness of the people, which fostered a desire to become a part of the community. He said his philosophy was summed up like this "If you really want to establish yourself in an area - invest in it".
In 2006 the current owners, Stjepan and Nancy Sostaric purchased The Inn and Spa of Berkeley Springs and announced the hotel would again be called The Country Inn, as it was for three decades.
“The Country Inn served as the lynchpin of the thriving tourism industry and the focal point of many community activities for all the years it operated under the ownership of the late Jack and Adele Barker,” said Nancy Sostaric.
“Our plan is to make it the social, commercial and tourism center for Berkeley Springs, Morgan County and the surrounding communities,” Sostaric said. “Our goal is to recreate The Country Inn as the perfect location for the celebration of special events, as well as regular breakfasts, lunches and dinners for organizations and businesses in the Berkeley Springs area,” Sostaric said.