1848, August 24. "A Trip to the Springs," Virginia Free Press, p. 1. Description of Shannondale Springs reprinted from the Alexandria Gazette.

Under this head we find in the Alexandria Gazette an agreeable sketch by a writer in whose initials, G.W., we recognize our old friend, George Watterson, Esq., of Washington, whose lively pen gives interest to every object he touches on.

After describing the natural scenery in the neighborhood of Harpers Ferry and elsewhere, he says:--

On my return I stopped at Charlestown, on my way to the Shannondale Springs, to which I was conveyed in a stage, employed by that establishment to carry visitors to and from the Springs. -- This beautiful watering place is about six miles from Charlestown and the approach to it is by a road well calculated from its roughness to give a dyspeptic appetite and a desire for repose when he reaches it.-- Nature has done, perhaps, more for this romantic spot than for most others in this country, and with the assistance of art it would be altogether unsurpassed. The Shenandoah river sweeps round in a semi-circular course in its passage to the Potomac, ripples and murmurs over projecting rocks in its bed, and is bordered on the Shannondale side, with lofty trees, which afford an agreeable shade at all hours of the day, to such as choose to stroll along the margin of the romantic river and on the other side by towering and
precipitous rocks, and the magnificent Blue Ridge almost constantly enveloped in a blue mist, from which the mountain derives its name. After crossing this river in a ferry-boat the road winds along its margin and ascends gradually to the main building for the accommodation of visitors, which is of brick and of considerable length, with a piazza in front of equal extent, and equal height. In the rear of this building are neat little cottages for the accommodation of those who prefer living more secluded; and from these you ascend to the top of the hill or elevation which commands a fine view of the surrounding landscape, and on which stands a Bowling
alley, erected for the use of the visitors. To the right, the waving and sloping ground is devoted to agricultural purposes, and exhibits an appearance of great fertility and productiveness. To the left of the main building gravelled walks, bordered by trees, lead you to the Springs, the waters of which are found so salubrious and beneficial to those afflicted with disease.-- They contain salts, magnesia, iron, &c., held in solution, and are drunk frequently during the day. The principal Spring is surrounded by magnificent elms and other ornamental trees, under the shade of which are placed seats for the accommodation of those who wish to drink its water. An old colored woman seated near the Spring, from morning to night, employs herself in dipping up the water for visitors, and whose compensation is regulated by the charity of those who avail themselves of her voluntary aid. She may be the genius of the fountain,
but she is far from being its nymph, and the draught she administers cannot boast of the inspiring properties of the "Hyperian Spring" -- ‘whose shallow draughts intoxicate the brain.'

At a short distance on either side of the principal fountain there is a spring containing a small portion of sulpurated hydrogen, but the water is not much use.-- These springs are also enclosed and surrounded by trees, while higher up on a level with the building, and not far from it, is a beautiful clump of oaks, sycamores, locusts, &c., with seats beneath, and a verdant sward on which the visiter [sic] can recline like Tityrus of old, in umbra. This beautiful retreat would afford a fine subject for the pencil of a landscape painter, and possesses the fine ‘capabilities' for the landscape gardener. Nature has indeed done much for it, but art and taste could add still more to its beauties. It is owned, I understand, by a company, who, were they to expend a small sum annually in its improvement of the grounds &c., might make it one of the most desirable and lovely spots in this country, and induce thousands to visit it to enjoy its
beauties alone. A man of wealth and taste, a Ripton or a Beckford, would make it a paradise in a few years.

The host and hostess of this establishment are exceedingly attentive and kind, and spare no pains to administer to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests.-- The fare and accommodations are excellent, and nothing is wanting to render it a most healthy and delightful watering place.

G.W.