Submitted by Robin O’Neal Smith

Freelance Travel Writer

The Historic Pennsylvania Hotel’s Presidential Connections

As we move into February, a lot of focus is on presidents. The Omni Bedford Springs Resort is connected to at least 14 presidents dating back to our first president in 1794.

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort is located in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in Bedford, Pennsylvania. The property offers stunning scenery and is within easy driving distance of several major cities, including Columbus, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

This historic gem is practically in my backyard, only 35 miles from my home. My husband and I visited last year. The resort hosted our visit, but all opinions are my own.

Natural Mineral Springs

The resort is known for its natural mineral springs, which have been used for health and wellness purposes for centuries. The resort was founded in 1796 by Dr. John Anderson, who believed that the mineral springs had healing properties.

Presidential Connections

The springs quickly became popular with people from all over the country traveling to Bedford, Pennsylvania, to drink and soak in the healing waters. George Washington journeyed to the springs to taste the waters before there was a hotel.

The Bedford Springs Hotel opened in 1806. Former Vice President Aaron Burr was one of the first guests.

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, visited Bedford Springs in August 1819 and stayed for several weeks. He suffered from rheumatism and enjoyed the spring baths.

Other presidents who visited Bedford Springs include:

James Polk, Zackery Taylor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James Garfield, William Taft, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush.

The President who visited the Bedford Springs most often was President James Buchanan. He started visiting when he was a young lawyer and then ran election campaigns from the Bedford Springs Hotel.

The 15th President actually used the hotel as his Summer White House. Many important documents were signed on a Sheraton desk. When Buchanan became President, the hotel felt the desk was not opulent enough, so they wanted to replace it with a larger, more impressive desk. But President Buchanan insisted they get his Sheraton desk back. The desk is still at the hotel for you to view, along with many other historical documents and memorabilia. You can learn more about the desk and other things of historical significance by taking their guided history tour throughout the hotel.

History In The Making

While President Buchanan was staying at the Bedford Springs Hotel in 1858, the first trans-Atlantic cable arrived from England’s Queen Victoria, and he responded. A copy of the contents of the messages is available to view at the resort.

President Buchanan spent 25 summers at this historic hotel.

Hotel Renovations

The hotel stood vacant for many years. In the early 2000s, the Bedford Springs Resort underwent a major renovation. It was reopened in 2005 as an Omni Hotels & Resorts property. The renovation preserved the resort’s historic charm while adding modern amenities and services.

Several rooms at the hotel are named after Presidents. The Presidential connection history of the hotel is showcased with silhouettes of presidents who have visited and their wives on the second floor.

The Resort Today

Today, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort is a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers. The luxury resort offers an Olympic-sized indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a world-class golf course, and many other amenities. It boasts five eateries, including the colonial 1796 Restaurant and the sparkling Crystal Dining Room.

The Springs Eternal Spa is a full-service, high-end spa. The spa area includes the multi-step Bedford Bath experience, which involves soaking in the heated mineral water, then hot and cold invigorating showers and soaks.

Staying at the resort feels like you have stepped back in time yet are enjoying all the fantastic amenities of the modern era.

Celebrate Love with a Valentine’s Wine Dinner

Feb. 14 & 15 | 6:30 PM
Constitution Hall – Second Floor

Indulge in an enchanting evening of romance, vibrant flavors, and cultural richness at our Valentine’s Wine Dinner. Savor a 5-course menu thoughtfully crafted by our expert chefs, perfectly paired with exquisite wines to create a memorable culinary journey. Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a dining experience that blends love and indulgence. Event is open to the public. Reservation required.

$225 per person (plus 18% service charge and tax)

For reservations, please call (814) 624-5633.