ZenBlog

EDFORD, Pa. (WJAC) -- The Omni Bedford Springs opened in 1796 and has since played host to a number of historical events and figures. One president was a frequent patron and received a monumental communication during a visit.

“This resort is just full of history,” said George Schwartz, director of special events for the hotel. “History that includes, being part of the first transatlantic message between Queen Victoria and President James Buchanan.”

Buchanan fancied the Bedford Springs and spent time in the hotel before, during and after his presidency.

“James Buchanan spent 32 summers here and called it his summer White House,” Schwartz said.

On Aug. 16, 1858, the recently elected Buchanan received a message from Queen Victoria in Great Britain.

The telegraph took 14 to 16 hours to transmit.

“Queen Victoria sent President James Buchanan a congratulatory message,” Schwartz said. “He happened to be at Bedford Springs.”

Buchanan responded to the queen, hoping to continue and alliance.

“On James Buchanan’s part, it was a very amiable message wanting to endear the relationship between Great Britain and the United States,” Schwartz said.

The Bedford Springs resort features reproductions of the original messages, and even an artifact from Buchanan’s time at the hotel.

“I am sitting right in front of what we proudly display as James Buchanan’s desk,” Schwartz said. “He used it whenever he was on the property at Bedford Springs Hotel.”

Schwartz said the resort's history still plays a big role in the day to day operations.

“We do history tours trying to teach the guests that are currently attending here about the history of this resort,” he said. “We are very proud of it.”

Schwartz said he is continually surprised by how many people visit the resort for its history.

He said that history is still part of the experience.

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