Greenbrier Valley in W.Va. was an early American resort community

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Greenbrier Valley in W.Va. was an early American resort community
David Sibray visits the Level Tavern (now for sale), a landmark destination serving tourists along an early resort network.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va.— The scenic Greenbrier Valley in southern West Virginia was among the early large-scale resort communities in the U.S. and featured a state-supported road system designed to lead travelers from resort to resort.

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Though colonial farmers were the region's first inhabitants in the 1700s, by the early 1800s, the area had become a tourist destination, according to David Sibray, the publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine and a real estate agent marketing historic properties in the region.

A color illustration of Salt Sulphur Springs reveals the extent of the resort before the Civil War.

"When people think of West Virginia, they may first think of coal or oil, but they should be thinking about tourism and its scenic and water resources," says Sibray.

"Travel and tourism was the lifeblood of many parts of what's now West Virginia. Not only here in the Greenbrier Valley, but across the state, entrepreneurs were marketing the pleasant mountain climate and the alleged healing powers of its mineral springs."

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As early as the 1740s, George Washington and his family were visiting the "warm springs" at Bath, now better known as Berkeley Springs. By the turn of the 19th century, resorts were being established at points as far-flung as Mineral Wells near the Ohio River.

The pavilion at Blue Sulphur Springs was recently restored. (Photo courtesy Greenbrier Historical Society)

"The mountains were ideal for high-end development," Sibray said. "Here, you could escape the oppressive heat of the southern states. Visitors afflicted with illnesses sought health at mineral springs at which they believed they could be relieved of diseases that we now treat through modern medicine."

The pleasant climate and promise of healing attracted thousands of visitors to the Greenbrier Valley in the warm months, where mineral springs were perhaps more common or better marketed.

"Aside from the presence of these old resorts at such places as Blue Sulphur Springs, White Sulphur Springs, Red Sulphur Springs, and Salt Sulphur Springs, there remains a network of roads that led among these destinations," he said.

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Sibray said he is currently marketing three historic properties associated with the White & Salt Sulphur Springs Turnpike Co. and the

Sibray walks the Salt Sulphur Springs Turnpike near the Level Tavern.

Two of these, now for sale, the itself, near Union in Monroe County, and the at Organ Cave in Greenbrier County, served the traveling populace.

"The Virginia Assembly acted to incorporate these turnpike companies, and though these turnpikes certainly served local farmers and other inhabitants of the area, their purpose was also to provide access to the resorts that developed around the springs."

The above-mentioned roads that linked resorts at Mountain Lake with those at White Sulphur Springs and Salt Sulphur Springs are two of many historic routes. Similarly named turnpikes to Blue Sulphur Springs and Red Sulphur Springs still exist.

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"It's astonishing to me, and it only dawned on me as I began to burrow into this history what an industry it had been. It not only supported the springs, it supported tavern owners along those and farmers who supplied produce, and folks who worked at the springs."

This classical springhouse is one of several on the grounds of The Greenbrier. (Photo courtesy The Greenbrier)

Sibray said that as West Virginia moves toward the 21st century, he expects tourism destinations such as Salt Sulphur Springs to reassert their importance. While, he said, the old resorts may not become major employers, though has remained so, the state's streams and pleasant weather will attract investment as opportunities grow.

"Thanks to increasing broadband infrastructure and the burgeoning , we in the real estate business expect to see more investors arriving to help build the state into an attractive economic destination," he said.


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