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Blue Sulphur Springs, located in Greenbrier County near Smoot, was the site of a mineral spring resort from 1834 until 1858, one of many in the Western Virginia mountains. The sulfur spring, which gives the site its name, was developed into a resort in 1834 when owner George Washington Buster built a large brick hotel, springhouse, cottages, and bathing facilities. Two hundred guests could be accommodated at the resort. The first mud baths in the United States were introduced there in the 1840s. Famous visitors to Blue Sulphur Springs included Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and Robert E. Lee. In 1858, the resort property was sold to the Western Virginia Baptist Association, which established Alleghany College there in 1860. During the Civil War the property was occupied by both armies. In 1864, Union troops burned down the resort buildings. Today only a pavilion remains over the spring.

This Article was written by Michael M. Meador

Last Revised on December 27, 2010

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