Bill Text: VA HJR515 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Jefferson Pools at The Homestead.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-03-09 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ515ER) [HJR515 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2012-HJR515-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, the Jefferson Pools at the The Homestead, formerly known as Warm Springs Pools and comprised of a men's pool founded in 1761 and a ladies' pool founded in 1836, celebrated in 2011, 250 and 175 years, respectively, of providing visitors the opportunity to soak and rejuvenate in the warm mineral spring waters; and WHEREAS, the pools, which have existed for thousands of years and are fed by several natural mineral springs, were reportedly discovered by Native Americans in the 1600s; and WHEREAS, a resort area was developed around the springs in the 1750s and proved to be a popular gathering spot for those retreating from the intense summer heat found farther east and south; most of those coming were Virginians, many from Richmond and the shore towns; and WHEREAS, on June 1, 1761, an octagonal wood building was constructed over one of the pools and opened to the public; the rustic structure still exists today and offers simple dressing rooms for those who come for a soak; and WHEREAS, in 1818 the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, arrived at the resort, staying for over three weeks and taking the waters several times a day to treat his "rheumatism"; and WHEREAS, in 1836 a Ladies Pool House opened over a pool fed by a separate mineral spring, providing female visitors the opportunity to partake of the spring waters, which stay at a near constant 98 degrees; and WHEREAS, the wife of famed Confederate general, Robert E. Lee, frequently came to the pools with her husband to participate in the restorative experience and was lowered by chair into the waters; and WHEREAS, the pool houses, today listed as Virginia Historic Landmarks and on the National Register of Historic Places, continue to provide visitors shelter as they come to experience a time-honored tradition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Jefferson Pools at The Homestead, on the occasion of their 250th and 175th anniversaries, for providing visitors with the chance to partake in one of the Commonwealth's many attractions; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to The Homestead as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation for the Jefferson Pools' unique role as part of Virginia history. |
