One place in particular that I have been wanting to see for years now has been Blue Sulphur Springs, WV. One of the many Springs of Virginia, like the Sweet, the Salt, or the White, there is almost absolutely nothing left of this resort today. All that remains is its springhouse pavilion with twelve monumental columns.
Standing alone in the middle of a field, which once had a hotel with cottages that burned during the American Civil War, this Greek Revival structure has been one of the most endangered historic places in West Virginia for decades. However, Blue Sulphur Springs was one resort that never really took off successfully. Despite its close proximity as the crow flies to other health spas, that were and still are very well-known, I finally drove out to it this weekend and learned that it is terribly difficult to reach. One has to really intend to be there.
Although the valley drives were beautiful, and very scenic, the road was only one lane for both directions coming and going. It twisted and curved around mountains that blocked views and dropped down into ravines. Much to my surprise and pleasure though, I found construction equipment and scaffolding around the Blue Sulphur pavilion. The National Park Service and State Historic Preservation Office from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History have both funded a rehabilitation project for it.
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