Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a spa settlement in Bath County centered on natural mineral springs whose warm waters reach about 104 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The community features established bathing facilities and accommodations built around these thermal resources.

The settlement began in 1766 when Thomas Bullitt built the first inn near the thermal springs, establishing a tradition of bath tourism. The two Jefferson Pools from 1761 and 1836 document the early development of such bathing facilities in America.

The resort served as a temporary home for Japanese diplomats during World War II while prisoner exchanges were being negotiated. This episode shows how the place functioned as a meeting point for international affairs even in difficult times.

U.S. Route 220 connects the area to regional road networks, while the nearest airport with regional service sits roughly 25 miles (40 km) north. Visitors should know the community is small, so planning ahead to secure lodging and services is wise.

The Jefferson Pools stand as the oldest spa buildings still in use in the United States, representing two different construction eras. Their side-by-side structures from 1761 and 1836 reveal how bathing architecture evolved across decades.

Location: Bath County

GPS coordinates: 37.99944,-79.83167

Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:17