Berkeley Springs
Posted by: 
BigPapaMark
N 39° 37.638 W 078° 13.723
17S E 737854 N 4390062
Berkeley Springs is located in Berkeley Springs State Park, and is an outstanding example of a natural warm water spring, and how a few very well known men used the spring to build a town.
Waymark Code: WMAA4M
Location: West Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/11/2010
Views: 14
At Berkeley Springs the water flows through the Oriskany sandstone of Warm Springs Ridge and out along its base it is known as a warm water spring because the water is warmer than normal ground water.
It is not known how the water picks up this heat, but it flows at a constant temperature.
As the water of Berkeley Springs passes through the ground it erodes the sandstone, picking up minerals that were said to have healing powers.
I hope you enjoy your stop at Berkeley Springs Earthcache, while you are here you may find it interesting that the spring is actually the reason for the town.
Before Columbus discovered America, the Indians traveled from as far away as Canada to the Carolinas to the warm mineral springs of the area. They believed the waters had healing powers.
In 1748 young George Washington was on a team to survey land owned by Lord Fairfax. While on the surveying trip Washington fell in love with the area, and returned several times.
In a letter to Reverend Charles Green in 1761 he wrote, “I think myself benefited from the water and not without hope of their making a cure for me. A little time will show now.”
In 1776 he and some close friends established the town of Bath for the purpose of being able to entertain the Virginia’s social elite who traveled to the springs to bathe in its warm mineral waters.
Bath’s popularity increased as wounded soldiers came looking for the healing powers of the springs.
Although the town is still officially known as Bath it has been called Berkeley Springs since the post office opened, and since there was already a Bath West Virginia a unique name had to be taken.
You can visit Berkeley Springs State Park, where you can still see George Washington’s bath, as well as the spa, and the spring. There are also drinking fountains and stations where you can fill up water jugs to take with you.
Or you can have a refreshing drink from the
fountain.
Public or Private Land?: Public
Public Land Fees?: It is free to visit, but parking is limited.
Private Land access?: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please post an original picture of the springs no GPS necessary along with your observations of the spring. What wildlife you saw if any and the condition of the springs. Water level was high, low. The area was clean, trashy ect. Any other knowledge or experiences you have had with this paticular spring that would help document it's history.