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Captain Thomas Bullitt, Charles and Andrew Lewis were part of the militia and surveyors during the French and Indian War. They were told of the many healing qualities of the waters in the area. In 1764, at the end of the war, Capt. Bullitt received Gold and Silver for his services and received a colonial land grant of 300 acres which contained seven natural mineral springs from Col. George Washington. The spring waters — naturally heated to a soothing 104-degrees Fahrenheit — were believed by the local Native Americans to have healing powers. Captain Bullitt built an 18-room hostelry, and The Homestead first welcomed travelers in 1766. Thomas Jefferson visited in 1819, after hearing of the healing powers of the mineral springs, hoping to improve his rheumatism. He stayed for 22 days. Capt. Thomas Bullett, died in the Revolutionary War, but, his family continued operating the Homestead until Dr. Thomas Goode purchased it in 1832. He promoted the value of the hot springs as a cure for a variety of ailments and installed pipes to divert the hot spring water to pools. Over the years, ownership passed through many individuals and some investors, including M.E. Ingalls and J.P. Morgan, and welcomed many VIP quests including 27 US presidents (while George Washington never stayed at the Homestead, he gets a spot in the presidential line-up, because he awarded the original land grant). In 2016, The Omni Homestead Resort celebrated 250 years as America’s first resort. The resort’s old-school family style charm is evident throughout and made the perfect venue for VADA’s annual convention and celebration of its 75th anniversary. 2018 Family aryland Automobile Dealers Association The Homestead Resort, nestled deep in the Allegheny Mountains, in Hot Springs, VA For more history of the Homestead: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia/property- details/history Convention 9