The first owner of The Homestead was Melville Ingalls who was also President of C&O railroad. Not coincidentally, C&O installed a 24 mile long spur from the main junction in Covington which terminated at a train platform across the street from the hotel. For decades, travelers from around the country would arrive by train for a stay in Hot Springs. From the Virginia Hotel and train platform it was a short walk across what is now Sam Snead Highway to the mineral-spring baths.

BELOW: In 1904 The Homestead added an adjoining building to the Bath House containing a mineral-spring-fed pool. In the 1950's a non-heated outdoor pool and sun area with real sand were added, separated by a long colonnade. A parking lot just off the street on the pool-side was for visitor use. The children's pool and sandbox in the old playground are just visible on the top right.

In 1993 the Homstead was sold to Club Resorts and in 1996 the beach area was grassed over, while a new parking lot was created on the site of the old children's playground. The pool and it's parking lot were removed by 2002. Today, the 1950s swimming pool is all but forgotten but the colonnade still remains an active entrance to the Spa.

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