An American Treasure Since Before America
Ten years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a small, wooden lodge opened in the mountains of Virginia, offering a respite for travelers coming to “take the waters.” Now, more than 260 years later, The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa continues to welcome visitors from around the world.
For two and a half centuries, people have chosen to gather at The Homestead. From business and political leaders seeking insights from their constituents, to well-known athletes and celebrities wanting a relaxing and peaceful escape, to generations of families gathering to reunite and reconnect, our resort continues to provide a warm welcome and memorable experience for all.
Milestones at America’s First Resort
Key Moments in the History of The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa
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From Stars to Statesmen, a Legacy of Notable Guests
Throughout its storied history, The Omni Homestead has welcomed dignitaries from around the world, including 24 U.S. presidents, foreign leaders, world-famous athletes, and Hollywood celebrities. During the resort’s early days, General George Washington partnered with Captain Thomas Bullitt to develop a road to make travel to the area easier. President William McKinley was the first sitting president to play golf, and he played here in 1899. In 1908, William Howard Taft campaigned at the resort, and Thomas Edison recorded his speech. In the early 1990s, the cast of Sommersby, which featured Richard Gere, Jodie Foster, Bill Pullman, and James Earl Jones, visited the resort while filming nearby.
A Pioneer in American Wellness Retreats
Before the first Homestead was built, the area’s numerous mineral-rich springs were a popular destination for travelers. People would journey for weeks to “take the waters”, believing in their therapeutic benefits. In 1761, an octagonal stone basin was built around the warm springs, becoming the first spa structure in America. In the 1820s, a wooden structure enclosed the stone basin, and today, that structure is the Gentlemen's Bathhouse, one of two bathhouses that comprise the Warm Springs Pools. In 1892, the resort added a spa building. Eleven years later, one of America’s first indoor pools was built, further enhancing The Homestead's place as an innovator in wellness.
The Homestead’s Legendary Links
In 1892, The Homestead constructed a six-hole course. Now known as the Old Course, it hosted its first tournament in 1897. President McKinley, the first U.S. president to play golf, played the course in 1899 and in 1900, the course hosted its first women's tournament. In 1901, the course was updated to 18 holes and in 1916, Donald Ross added his trademark saucer-shaped greens and contoured fairways. In the early 1900s, the resort selected William S. Flynn, known for his appreciation of the land's natural features, to design a second course, The Cascades. Over the years, U.S. presidents, foreign royalty, famous athletes and celebrities have played these renowned courses.
