When it was built in 1761, Jefferson Pools was a "gentlemen" bathhouse, uniquely built in an octagonal shape with a large hole in the roof to let the steam out. The women's bathhouse nextdoor came several decades later in the same fashion. Today, the original structures still stand, beautiful yet decaying.
The bathhouses were built over the year-round 98-degree natural pools in the aptly named Warm Springs, Virginia.
Legend has it that an American Indian first found the pools after traveling a long way and, after bathing in the warm waters, was instantly rejuvenated. It was then known as a sacred place. Soon after, spa houses began being built throughout the 16th century following the European style. These spa houses become even more popular in the following century in places where wealthy southerners would "take the waters" for relaxation.
But it was the healing promises of the mineral-rich waters that brought Thomas Jefferson to the pools, where he soaked daily for three weeks to try and help his rheumatism. It's ironic that the pools were named after him, though, as local historians claimed he found the spa quite boring.
Boring or not, the Jefferson Pools are still open today. For $17 an hour, the usually nude guests can experience the warm tickling bubbles, slight sulfur smell, and turquoise waters so clear you can see the bottom. The original wood structure of the bathhouse has fallen victim to the elements for over the last 250 years, however. But an organization is working to preserve this rotting wonder, so guests can bathe in the warm springs just as Thomas Jefferson did decades ago—except that he didn't have the floating pool noodles.