West Virginia was well-known for its springs and the resorts that built up around them. In fact, these springs were the sources of our region's first tourism boom, dating back to the late 1700s.

There are two types of springs. Mineral springs contain water with different dissolved salts. Thermal springs have warm water, sometimes up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, because they come from deep underground where temperatures are higher.

The waters are classified based on what they contain. Saline has salts (like calcium and sodium). Sulfur has hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. Chalybeate contains iron.

People used to vacation at springs for their health. They believed the mineral and thermal waters could cure diseases by drinking them, bathing in them, or rubbing the water on themselves. Even if the cures didn't work, the clean mountain air and relaxation made many feel healthier.