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This castle is located in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, at one time known as Bath because of the warm medicinal springs located here. These mineral springs were popular with President George Washington and others of his time.

The castle which is a West Virginia and National Historic Site, was built by colonel Samuel Taylor Suit between 1885 and 1891. He won the hand of Rosa Pelham in marriage by pledging to build her a castle. His plans were brought to life by architect A. B. Mullett who also designed such landmarks as the U.S. State Dept Bldg, the U.S. Treasury Bldg, the old San Francisco Mint and the old N.Y. Post Office.

Unfortunately Suit died just before the castle was completed and his will stipulated that his young wife must have the castle completed in order to inherit his fortune. She did this and lived a life of luxury until age 50 when the funds were depleted. In 1909 the castle was sold at public auction.

Since then Berkeley Castle has changed hands several times. From 1938-1954 Dr. Ward Keesecker used the castle and grounds as a summer camp for boys. In 1954 it was purchased by Walter Bird and he opened it to the public as a museum. (During this time while passing through the area, our family was able to tour the inside of the castle) In 1999 the castle and contents were sold. After extensive renovations it was once again auctioned. Owned now by Andrew Gosline it has been brought back to the glamour of Rosa's time. It is no longer open to the public but is available for weddings, fundraisers and private events.

On a recent trip to Canada we passed through this area and stopped to revisit and remember earlier days.

** I read in a recent critique about straightening the picture in the frame, but I don't remember who it was or how to do it. I see the castle is tilted a little to the left. Help?? Thanks.