Not many people, except for locals, know about the grand old abandoned luxury resort that sits steps from the highway (WV-311) in the Sweet Springs Valley in Monroe County. The resort was first built in the late 1700s and consisted of a lodge built of logs. This first rendition of the resort was very popular and hosted up to 80 guests per night who traveled by horse and buggy from all points just to bathe in the warm 73-degree healing spring waters found here.
By the 1830s, a new building had replaced the first log-hewn lodge. It was a building of grand style, and is said to have been designed by Thomas Jefferson.
Facebook/Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation
In its heyday, Old Sweet Springs Resort could host up to 800 people at a time. However, the grand hotel has been abandoned more than once since the grand opening in the early 1800s. It’s housed both a tuberculosis sanatorium as well as an old folks home that closed in the early 1990s.
Facebook/Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation
But looking back to before the subsequent uses of the facility… eventually the resort shuttered altogether in the 1930s. It remained empty for more than a decade, when some accounts say the cottages here were used as a tuberculosis sanatorium for a short while. The image you’re looking at below is the mineral bathe that has fallen into serious disrepair in the decades since its last use.
Google Maps/Belinda Gratopp
The cottages still remain, by the way. First built as places for families with extended stay plans at the resort, and then later, they were reportedly used in a quarantine manner for those healing from tuberculosis.
Google Maps/Donna Wingfield, Broker
Today, they’re slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature, as is the remainder of the resort.
Facebook/Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation
Even the jail located on the far side of the property has fallen (literally) into disrepair.
Google Maps/amanda dowdy
But, unlike most of the abandoned places we feature at OnlyInYourState.com, we are pleased to announce that a local resident purchased the facility a few years back and has turned the property into a park!
Google Maps/Adam An
Further, his visionary plans are to completely restore the resort hotel and grounds. A walk around the grounds allows access to the outside of the buildings. Through the help of generous and enthusiastic volunteers, the place is getting cleaned up a bit.
Facebook/Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation
Special events, like in-house auctions, provide ample opportunity to spend some time inside the old resort.
Facebook/Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation
And a self-guided tour around the park doles out several buildings that are in need of an overhaul. Shown here in the early 1900s, the bathe house is now in complete disarray (as seen in the previous photo above). However plans are in place to carefully restore and bring it back to its full glory.
Library of Congress/Call No. Call Number: HABS WVA,32-SWESP,2–3/No known restrictions
Will Old Sweet Springs Resort ever be a bustling resort again? That’s the hope!
Google Maps/Donna Wingfield, Broker
Have you ever driven past the Old Sweet Springs Resort in Sweet Springs and wondered what became of it? Ever pop out of your car to explore the grounds? Now that it’s a park, you can! The absolutely best time to explore Old Sweet Springs Resort is during one of the many organized events taking place throughout the year. You can follow events as they are announced simply by following their Facebook page here. To learn more about the Foundation with stewardship over the park and buildings, refer to their official website.
Facebook/Sweet Springs Resort Park Foundation
Google Maps/Belinda Gratopp
Google Maps/Donna Wingfield, Broker
Google Maps/amanda dowdy
Google Maps/Adam An
Library of Congress/Call No. Call Number: HABS WVA,32-SWESP,2–3/No known restrictions
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