The MAGNESIA SPRING is located in a sheltered corner on the far side of the hotel property. During the Homestead's early days the magnesium-rich water was heavily promoted for its medicinal and curative properties. Considered a go-to location for guests at the Homestead it was a popular stopover on the walking trail that surrounded the resort. A small log cabin sitting nearby was similar to one at the Sulphur Spring farther down the trail. Perhaps these cabins housed attendants to give prescribed drams of water to guests.
Virginia Hot Springs brochure 1915: "On the grounds, almost at the door, you will find the justly celebrated magnesia and sulphur springs, nestling under rustic resting places, inviting you to partake of the waters which a kind Providence is offering you." The brochure also mentions a new continuously flowing water fountain had been installed in one of the hotel wings supplying "sulphur and magnesia waters at the same temperature as they come from the springs".
Visible on the right in the top image is the SOUTH COLD SPRING which is recorded as a source of the Homestead's springs. From The Hot Springs of VA, 1887: "The different Hot Springs make their appearance in a line extending from the base of the mountain almost straight down a lawn in front of the hotel". Early maps show the water from the Cold Spring following a channel down the rear of the Homestead property, running behind the Casino and pool house, and terminating in a reservoir next to the train station.
Today, the Magnesia Spring appears very similar to the original built in the late 1800s. The Homestead should be commended for maintaining its originality. While the spring was once easily accessible to guests, the walking trail from the front of the hotel no longer exists. So while not forgotten, this once-popular spring sits in a quiet corner of the Homestead property and is easily overlooked unless sought out.
The SOUTH COLD SPRING is still visible, while its output appears to have been redirected to a pond behind the Magnesia. The runoff from the pond follows the original channel at the rear of the Homestead property, where it vanishes underground behind the Casino.
