Civil War to Cold War

A 4 day tour of West Virginia
from our Southeastern issue,
Spring 2012.

	Photo: The Greenbrier Resort
	The Greenbrier is a National Historic Landmark in White Sulphur Springs.

Located in the Allegheny Mountains’ heart, the Greenbrier Valley offers visiting groups a taste of West Virginia. 

The region boasts famous resorts, quaint towns, outdoor recreation and the arts.

The Greenbrier Valley also is home to The State Fair of West Virginia (Aug. 10–18 this year) and the historic community of Lewisburg.

Day One

Besides its heritage and vibrant cultural community, Lewisburg is located in natural surroundings. 

Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Lewisburg Historic District, with 18th- and 19th-century buildings, shops, restaurants and galleries. A self-guided walking tour is available of the 235-acre district, which encompasses buildings dating to 1784. 

Lewisburg’s primary events include the Chocolate Festival (April 14 this year), Battle of Lewisburg (May 18–20), Rhythm, Blues & All That Jazz Festival (May 31–June 2) and Taste of Our Town (Oct. 13).

In the evening, relax. 

Day Two

Begin with Civil War explorations. 

Figure on visiting the Confederate Cemetery, displays at North House Museum or nearby battlefields. First, stop in at Greenbrier County Visitors Center in Lewisburg for an introduction.

Local Civil War sites include Alderson Ferry Crossing, the Battle of Lewisburg and Organ Cave, all part of the West Virginia Civil War Trails Program.

John Wesley United Methodist Church was built in 1835 and has interior galleries and a former slave entrance. During the Battle of Lewisburg, a cannonball struck the church’s southwest corner and is still visible today.  

North House Museum, built in 1820, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It displays Greenbrier Historical Society artifacts, including period furniture, textiles, Civil War items, wagons and decorative arts. Make time to visit the gift shop.  

The Confederate Cemetery includes a cross-shaped mass grave with remains of 95 unknown Confederate soldiers killed or mortally wounded during the May 23, 1862, Battle of Lewisburg. 

Spend the evening at a performance of The Greenbrier Valley Theatre, the state professional theater of West Virginia. 

	Photo: The Greenbrier Resort
	The Bunker is a formerly secret federal relocation facility at The Greenbrier Resort.

Day Three

Explore a cave today.

A historic and natural landmark, Organ Cave is the East Coast’s second longest commercial cave. During the Civil War, the cave located near Reconverte was used by Confederate soldiers as a source of saltpeter — the primary ingredient in black powder. 

Inside Organ Cave is the Hopper Room, a well-preserved refinery built by Confederates at the start of the Civil War with 37 of 52 hoppers remaining.

Ronceverte Train Depot, built in 1914, is the only craftsman-style building remaining on the defunct railroad line.  A 120-acre historic district in Ronceverte has buildings dating to 1810.

In Lewisburg, Lost World Caverns offers cave tours with group rates and a museum/gift shop. 

Dine in the evening at Historic General Lewis Inn, originally John Withrow House and built in 1834 with the lobby and west wing added in 1928. Besides a collection of antiques, the inn also reputedly has a ghost as resident.

Day Four

In the morning, discover Cold War history and elegant surroundings.

The Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs is one of the most famous and elegant resorts. A National Historic Landmark on a 6,750-acre estate dating to 1778, its hotel offers 802 guestrooms, including 46 suites and 97 guest and estate houses. Fine cuisine, furnishings, amenities and activities are among its hallmarks.

For years, The Greenbrier held a secret: It was home to a federal government relocation facility for the U.S. Congress in case of nuclear attack.  Kept secret from 1958 to 1992, the Bunker was built beneath the resort’s West Virginia Wing.

The Bunker can be toured daily, with a minimum age of 10 for tours. No cameras or electronic devices are permitted, and reservations are required.

Greenbrier County CVB
(800) 833-2068
(304) 645-1000

West Virginia Division of Tourism
(800) 225-5982
www.wvtourism.com

Offer your West Virginia itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
Fax: (616) 393-0085
Phone: 1-800-767-3489 between 8am - 5pm, EST.