On the 17th day of May,1739 Lord Fairfax conveyed by deed to John Covil, "the said twenty-nine thousand one hundred and twenty acres called by the name of Shannondale" was placed on puplic record.
In later years on Friday, May 9th, 1760, George Washington, "called at the Bloomery and got Mr. William Crawford to show me the place that has been so often talked of for erecting an Iron works upon." The iron furnace you see out side the addministration building was the result of Washington's visit. A good grade of ore was found here and iron made from it.
In 1797 on the recommendation of President Washington a U.S. Arsenal was built At Harpers Ferry for manufacturing and storing army ordinance. Our nation's great armed strength was on it's way. America should not forget our iron furnace and what it contributated to our history of growth.
George Washington had also spoke about the Shannondale Springs that he had visited while surveying for Lord Fairfax. Then in 1821 a report by Dr. DeButts describing the great curative powers of these waters attracted wide attention. Out of obscurity the Shannondale Springs came into sudden fame. Everyone wanted the magic cure-all that was just around the corner. a promotional company was set up in 1828. Later a four story hotel including a ballroom and bar, cottages, and recreation buildings were built. A rambling casino, "Tgarts Hall" was constructed including bowling green, stables and bridal paths. James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William Fillmore, and John C. Calhoun were regular visitors. Shannondale was truly the playground of the U.S. Presidents.
In 1858 the resort was destroyed by fire and rebuilt. In 1909 it was again destryed by fire and faded into history.
In 1954 C. M. Johnson visited Shannondale and immediately visioned a new resort where once again people could enjoy the beauties of "the mountains by the water." In 1955 the first road was cut into Shannondale and the rest speaks for itself.
We believe Lord Fairfax, George Washington, and the other famous men who have shared the pleasure of Shannondale with us would be please with the end results.