History

Greenbrier County was largely uninhabited during the early 18th century. Only a few intrepid white traders and trappers roamed the area, and the Colony of Virginia didn't encourage settlement of the Allegheny region until 1740, when white colonists began to arrive in the Greenbrier River Valley. Skirmishes with the Native Americans drove the colonists from the region but subsequent treaties allowed the settlers to return in 1769. By 1774, 3,000 to 4,000 people made their homes in the Greenbrier River Valley.

In 1778, Greenbrier County was formed and the county seat of Lewisburg was chartered in 1782.

For the convenience of western settlers, the courts of Virginia met in Lewisburg and the county became a springboard for further western migration. In 1861, the Civil War came to Greenbrier County and several battles were fought in the area, including Lewisburg in 1862 and White Sulphur Springs in 1863. West Virginia was created in June 1863 with Greenbrier County situated within the borders of the new state. In November 1863, Union forces defeated the Confederates, ending effective resistance in the area.

With the return of peace, divided loyalties began to heal and Greenbrier County adjusted to the new industrial age. Spas were established at many of the area's springs, which attracted affluent visitors from other southern states. The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs was one of those early spas whose origins date back more than 200 years.