Christmas Ghost of Christmas Past 2014
Category Archives: History
History of the Historic Jordan Springs Event and Cultural Centre
Year 1549
The Historic Jordan Springs Estate’s earliest recorded history begins in 1549, when discovered by the Catawaba Indians for the two mineral springs, the White Sulphur Spring and the Calibeate Spring, which flow from the natural grotto at the base of a nearby cliff-like hill called Devil’s Backbone, one of the geological wonders in the country.
During 1700’s
1700’s: There were five cottages that surrounded a small courtyard dating back to the late 1700’s. This is the last remaining cottage which still stands today after renovation in 2003 by the current owners. This cottage today serves as the Special Event & Spa. 1735 The property was originally in the Littler Grant to John
Year 1832
The Jordan Family Resort Hotels were the Most Celebrated Resort of the East between 1832 and sometime in 1930s. The property was purchased by Branch M. Jordan and since its inception, three hotels have stood on the estate and remained in the Jordan family until the Hotel closed sometime in the 1930s. The first stone
Years 1855-1861
In 1855, Edwin Clarendon Jordan, Sr., a nephew of Branch Jordan, built and opened the second larger, wooden hotel, which ran across the front of the property along Jordan Springs Road. The resort gained in popularity, not only for its healing waters, but also for its proximity to the capitol and the statesmen who loved
During the Civil War
During the Civil War (1861-1865) the resort ceased normal functions and was temporary converted into a hospital for both the Confederate and Union forces, depending upon which side held the nearby Winchester, Virginia. Many sick and wounded soldiers came to Jordan Springs for medical treatment, especially from teh Sharpsburg (Antietam), Gettysburg, and Winchester battlefields. Even
Post Civil War
After the war, the Historic Jordan Springs Estate once again became a popular resort destination for many years. Around 1869, Jordan Springs reached a peak of brilliancy never before equaled in antebellum days. It was during this streak of prosperity that Jordan Springs saw the many distinguished visitors and other statesmen from the Washington, D.C.
1866, Letter from Robert E. Lee to Edwin Clarendon Jordan
Lexington, VA 20 January 1866 My Dear Sir I am three days since your kind letterof the 22nd xxxx xxxx the box of fruits,sent me in the name of your daughter. Julia Belle. Please present my kindest regards to your wife and best thanks to your sweet “baby” who will long live in my remembrance.
1869, Letter from Robert E. Lee to Edwin Clarendon Jordan
Lexington, VA 7 June 1869 My Dear Sir I am very much obliged to you for your kind invitation to Mrs. Lee and myself to visit you at your White Sulphur Springs. I assure you it would give us great pleasure to do so did her health permit. But she is unable to travel so
Years 1893, 1896
In 1893 construction of the third hotel with hand-cut limestone and brick was completed by Edward Clarendon Jordan, Jr., grandson of Branch Jordan. This structure is in full use today and known as Historic Jordan Springs. The southeast section of the current brick building is the section constructed over the foundation of the 1932 Carriage
