Homestead's Archives

At the end of the French and Indian War in 1764, Col. George Washington rewarded Capt. Thomas Bullitt for his services with gold, silver and a colonial land grant of 300 acres, which included seven natural springs. Capt. Bullitt moved his militia company and their families to the area and within two years, the land was cleared and an 18 room wooden lodge was built. Named in honor of the homesteaders—those who camped out and built the hotel—The Homestead opened in 1766.

The story of The Homestead begins with the father of America, George Washington, as he awarded a land grant to Capt. Thomas Bullitt on which the first hotel was built. Since 1818, when Thomas Jefferson spent three weeks soaking in the pools, 23 US Presidents have visited the resort including a 2015 golf trip by George W. Bush.

In 1832, prominent physician Dr. Thomas Goode and his family purchased the resort from the Bullitt family along with properties in Warm Springs and Healing Springs. Dr. Goode was responsible for introducing the European style of hydrotherapies to the resort. One of the most famous treatments was the Cure, which is a salt scrub followed by a Swiss shower.

Since 1766, generations of families have vacationed at our resort in the Allegheny Mountains, and that legacy is at the core of our 250th anniversary celebration. In 2016, we will display a special scrapbook of guest memories and we invite all past guests to share their favorite photos from past stays. Photos and stories may be emailed to homesteadmemories@omnihotels.com.

Almost 50 years later, M.E. Ingalls, a lawyer for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company from Cincinnati, Ohio visited to conduct research for the railroad which was looking to expand the lines into the area. Mr. Ingalls, J. P. Morgan and many other investors later agreed to purchase The Homestead and build a spur into the Hot Springs area.

For more than 100 years, the resort has hosted meetings and events for guests from around the world. In 1908, President Taft joined the Virginia Bar Association meeting and in 1943, an international conference focused on solving the world’s food shortages met as a trial run for the creation of the United Nations.

A devastating fire which started in the pastry shop, destroyed the resort on July 2, 1901. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries or fatalities. The staff and community worked together and saved the Spa, Casino and Cottage Row. The day after the fire, Mr. Ingalls, along with resort executives and investors, such as JP Morgan, decided to rebuild the resort. Within a year, March 10, 1902, the Great Hall was completed and The Homestead was back in business.

Dining has long been a hallmark of The Homestead. In 1901, the resort hired Chef Romeo degli Antoni, our first French-trained Chef. Six decades later Albert Schnarwyler became Executive Chef, and he directed The Homestead’s kitchens for over four decades. Today, Executive Chef Greg Barnhill leads the resort’s culinary team.

Today, this iconic resort remains as one of America’s grand dames. In July 2013, The Homestead joined the Omni Hotels & Resorts family which is renowned for its portfolio of properties that offer authentic, local experiences in more than 60 North America destinations. The seamless blend of local culture and four-diamond service is the hallmark of the Omni brand.

Our associates are the heart and soul of the resort and have been since we welcomed our first guests in 1766. In the mid-1700s, it was the homesteaders who cleared the land and built the original 18-room lodge. Today there are more than 1,000 associates including 84 with 30 years of service or more. From the grounds to the kitchens and guest services to outdoor activities, our associates are dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests.