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David Sibray

David Sibray is the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of West Virginia Explorer, a news and travel magazine devoted to the state’s history, tourism, outdoor recreation and economic development. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390 or at editor@wvexplorer.com
Historian William Jones at Pence Springs
History / Prehistory

Hidden healing spring on historic Pence Springs resort grounds draws new interest

by David Sibray

PENCE SPRINGS, W.Va. — Historians in West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley are searching for answers about a little-known healing spring hidden on the grounds of the famed Pence Springs Hotel, a once-renowned mineral resort now on the market. While the sulfur-rich waters that made Pence Springs famous were widely promoted and carefully documented, far less is … Read more

Musicians gather freely at the Vandalia Gathering in Charleston, West Virginia.
Festivals / Events

49th annual Vandalia Gathering celebrates old-time and bluegrass music at state capital

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Now in its 49th year, the Vandalia Gathering—West Virginia’s signature celebration of folk music, arts, and heritage—returns May 22–25 to the grounds of the state capitol in Charleston. The free, public event attracts more than 10,000 visitors and participants each year. The free, public event features live music and dance events, storytelling … Read more

A new partnership is working to improve and maintain more than 500 miles of trail in the northern region of the Monongahela National Forest.
National Forests

Partnership to enhance more than 500 miles of Monongahela National Forest trails

by David Sibray

ELKINS, W.Va. — Recreational trails are a major part of West Virginia’s tourism economy, especially in the rugged landscape of the Monongahela National Forest, where thousands of hikers and mountain bikers explore its scenic backcountry each year. To strengthen tourism and improve trail conditions in the forest’s northern region, a new partnership has been formed … Read more

A party of travelers bound for the Cumberland Gap in 1779 were scalped and captured in what is remembered as the Pauley Massacre.
History / Prehistory

Few may recall 1779 Pauley massacre fought in the shadow of East River Mountain

by David Sibray

OAKVALE, W.Va.— Motorists traveling along US 460 east of Autumn at Brush Creek Falls in Mercer County near the Bluestone National Scenic River.[/caption] The incident, remembered as the Pauley Massacre, was among many deadly clashes that marked the struggle for control of the Appalachian backcountry during the Revolutionary War era. Much of the conflict pitted … Read more