Buffalo Springs
Interpretive Trail
Springhouse and Gazebo
The gazebo in front of you sits over the cistern and springhouse for Spring #2. Of the three springs that were considered to have medicinal attributes, Spring #2 was the most famous. Bottled water from this spring was sold at 20,000 outlets nationwide and internationally. The gazebo has been remodeled and a new bridge constructed, though much of the gazebo’s structural wood is original. People still use the gazebo for picnicking and relaxation, just as they did over 100 years ago.
To the left is an old photo postcard from the 1930’s that shows the gazebo with the stream in front and the bottling plant in the background. This gazebo replaced an earlier, and larger gazebo that was built in the late 1800’s.
Spring #2
Behind you trickles water from a spigot tapped into Spring #2. Water from this spring was once thought to contain minerals, especially lithium, that would help cure several diseases and illnesses. While the fame of the water from Spring #2 (and exaggerated medical claims) has faded, many locals continue to come here to fill their jugs and containers with the mineral water from this spring.
To the right is the logo that was used to promote the water from Buffalo Springs. Half-gallon bottles with the logo on the front were shipped all over the world. In 1900, a wooden crate with a dozen bottles cost $5.00, shipping was extra.
Thomas F. Goode
Above is a photo of Colonel Thomas F. Goode (1825-1905) in his Civil War uniform. Goode’s family had been early settlers and plantation owners in southern Virginia. In 1874, Goode purchased Buffalo Springs, upgraded the facilities and promoted the water as having medicinal attributes. Goode’s exceptional marketing skills made Buffalo Lithia Water nationally famous and brought him personal wealth.
Marker can be reached from Buffalo Springs Road (Virginia Route 767) 0.2 miles north of Highway Fifty Eight (U.S. 58).
Courtesy hmdb.org
