[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21648]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOMESTEAD RESORT

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 2015

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, the Homestead Resort is a piece of 
American history nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia--
surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscape, permeated by healing 
mineral waters, and displaying the quintessential Southern charm for 
which it has become so well known. For 250 years, The Homestead Resort 
has served as a respite for weary travelers. From presidents and 
celebrities to families and visitors from around the globe, The 
Homestead has been a place where generations have come to rest, relax, 
and rejuvenate--all while enjoying the hospitality of our region.
  Located in Virginia's Sixth Congressional District in the village of 
Hot Springs, the history of The Homestead begins more than a decade 
before the founding of our nation. A young George Washington visited 
the area, and later granted the land on which The Homestead was built 
to Captain Thomas Bullitt. In 1766, The Homestead saw its start as an 
18-room lodge. In 1818, former President Thomas Jefferson spent three 
weeks soaking in the mineral pools. To date, 23 U.S. presidents have 
visited the resort, including former President George W. Bush in 2015.
  Under the ownership of the Ingalls family for roughly 100 years until 
1993, The Homestead saw many additions and improvements to shape the 
property as we know it today. Now known as The Omni Homestead Resort, 
over the past 200-plus years it has grown to encompass 2,300 acres with 
483 guest rooms, numerous dining outlets, and more than 30 recreational 
activities. Today, this iconic resort continues to play a critical role 
in the economy of Bath County as a leading employer. Annually, the 
resort employs upwards of 1,000 workers, and is a significant source of 
tourism for surrounding communities and attractions.
  The success of The Homestead is a testament to its hardworking and 
dedicated employees, like Woody Pettus, the long-time maitre d' in the 
main dining room. Woody is an institution at The Homestead and is one 
of five generations of his family who have worked there over the years. 
For many guests, the staff at The Homestead has become an extended 
family.
  If you have not been to The Homestead, you are truly missing out on a 
little slice of heaven. From the columns flanking the main entrance and 
the welcoming expanse of the Great Hall to the beautifully designed 
gardens and miles of trails, a visit to The Homestead is certainly a 
unique experience. Over the years, this resort has become a special 
place for my family and many others. The people of Bath County are 
proud to call this landmark their own, and it is an honor to represent 
them and America's First Resort in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Throughout 2016, The Homestead will honor the past, present and 
future of America's First Resort. I congratulate The Homestead on this 
250th anniversary, and wish them many more milestone anniversaries to 
come.

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