The Pavilion is built on a square brick foundation with stone facing. The sides measure 32 feet and 10 inches. Twelve columns rest on the foundation, giving the Pavilion an open structure; the columns are of a modified Doric Order and are built of brick covered in plaster. The frieze of the Pavilion is un-decorated and made of clapboard.
The Pavilion is topped with a four-sided hipped roof with clapboard pediments. The sulphur spring flows into the basin at a rate of 6 gallons per minute and a temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The Pavilion is the only resort pavilion in West Virginia and one of few rural structures built in the Greek Revival style. In his 1846 book on mineral springs, William Burke described the Pavilion as "well-designed, but badly executed" and referred to the fountain inside as "one of the most beautiful objects imaginable."
In 2020, work was done to stabilize the foundation of the pavilion and provide drainage to the site. This phase was made possible thanks to a SHPO grant and the James F.B. Peyton Fund along with individual contributions.
As of July 1st, 2023 the Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion was re-dedicated by the Friends of the Blue Committee. The Pavilion is open to the public for viewing from 8AM-5PM daily. |
BOOKINGTo schedule an event at the Blue or reserve for private bookings, call (304) 645-3398 or email [email protected] to get in touch with our Director. Please read the form below for event rules and costs associated with booking the Blue.
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LOCATIONBlue Sulphur Springs is a small, unincorporated rural community in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. It is located 9 miles north of Alderson and 8 miles southwest of interchange 161 of Interstate 64 at Alta, West Virginia. Please see the attached map.
The Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion is located in a valley at the junction of the Kitchen Creek and Sawmill Hollow Valleys. Blue Sulphur Springs is one of several thermal mineral springs in this area of the Appalachian Mountains. The Pavilion overlooks a rural landscape, and offers views of the surrounding valley. |
Remarkably, there are five roads in and out of Blue Sulphur Springs. Some have humorously speculated that all the roads were put there to make sure the moonshiners had ways to avoid the revenuers. It is more likely that the roads reflected commerce movements in days gone by, as well as the significance of the Blue Sulphur Springs Resort in its heyday.