The Greenbrier River Valley

 The Greenbrier River Valley

 

The Greenbrier River Valley is a region of breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and enduring culture. Nestled amidst the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the valley has been home to human habitation for thousands of years. From its earliest inhabitants, the Paleoindians, to its European settlers and present-day residents, the Greenbrier River Valley has witnessed a continuous tapestry of human experience.

Prehistoric Era
The earliest known inhabitants of the Greenbrier River Valley were the Paleoindians, who arrived in the region around 10,000 years ago. These nomadic hunters and gatherers followed herds of mammoths and other large game, leaving behind a sparse but significant archaeological record.

Around 8,000 years ago, the Archaic period began, marked by a shift from hunting and gathering to a more settled lifestyle. The Archaic people developed agriculture and lived in small villages, taking advantage of the fertile soils and abundant resources of the valley.

The Woodland period, spanning from 3,000 to 1,000 years ago, saw the emergence of more complex societies in the Greenbrier River Valley. Woodland people constructed elaborate ceremonial sites, such as the Greenbrier Stone Circle, and traded extensively with other groups throughout the region.

The Mississippian period, from 1,000 to 500 years ago, was characterized by the rise of large, centralized societies. In the Greenbrier River Valley, the most notable Mississippian site is the Bluestone Dam Site. This site was once home to a large village with over 1,000 inhabitants.

European Contact and Colonization
The arrival of European explorers and settlers in the 17th century marked a turning point in the history of the Greenbrier River Valley. The first recorded European visitors to the region were French explorers in the late 1600s. English settlers followed soon after, drawn by the promise of fertile land and abundant resources.

In 1777, Greenbrier County was formed out of parts of Montgomery and Botetourt counties in Virginia. The county was named after the Greenbrier River, which flows through the heart of the valley. The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans and the harshness of the frontier environment.

19th and 20th Centuries

The 19th century saw significant growth and development in the Greenbrier River Valley. The construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) in the mid-1800s brought increased trade and commerce to the region. The valley also became a popular destination for tourists, drawn by its natural beauty and mineral springs.

Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) in the 19th century

 
The 20th century brought both challenges and opportunities to the Greenbrier River Valley. The Great Depression devastated the region's economy, and the Civil War left a lasting scar on the landscape. However, the valley also experienced periods of prosperity, fueled by the growth of the timber industry and the development of tourism.

Greenbrier River Valley in the 20th century

Today, the Greenbrier River Valley is a vibrant and diverse community, home to a rich cultural heritage and a thriving economy. The valley's natural beauty continues to attract visitors from around the world, and its residents are committed to preserving the region's unique character and heritage.