Greenbrier County, West Virginia

Greenbrier County is a county located in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of 2000, the population was 34,453. Its county seat is Lewisburg ⁶.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,653 km² (1,024 mi²). 2,645 km² (1,021 mi²) of it is land and 8 km² (3 mi²) of it (0.31%) is water.

Much of the area of the northern and western parts of the county is either public (Monongahela National Forest) or private (owned by companies such as Westvaco) forest.

Adjacent Counties

History

During the early 18th century, the area now known as Greenbrier County was largely uninhabited. No permanent Indian villages were found and only a few trappers roamed the area. It wasn’t until 1740 that colonists began to arrive. The county was officially chartered later in 1782.

The area witnessed numerous Indian raids during the colonial period, including a raid on Fort Randolph and later on Fort Donnally, then inhabited by 25 men and 60 women and children. The most heroic of the defenders of Fort Donnally was an African American slave named Dick Pointer. Pointer, said to have stood 7 foot tall, defended the log door, giving the settlers enough time to awaken and defend themselves against the attack. Pointer later addressed the Virginia General Assembly and gave a moving appeal that "in the decline of life" he be freed for his defense of Fort Donnally. Historic accounts differ as to whether the legislature ever provided his freedom. His grave is marked beside Carnegie Hall in the county seat of Lewisburg along with a historical marker placed prominently in the midst of the Lewisburg Cemetery. Pointer’s musket is on permanent display at The North House Museum in Lewisburg.

The Civil War came to the county in 1861 and several battles were fought in the area including Lewisburg in May 1862 and White Sulphur Springs in August 1863. Both battles resulted in Union victories.

What is said to be the oldest golf course in the United States was founded in 1884 just north of White Sulphur Springs by the Montague family.

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there were 34,453 people, 14,571 households, and 9,922 families residing in the county. The population density was 13/km² (34/mi²). There were 17,644 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (17/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.23% White, 3.04% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. 0.68% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 14,571 households out of which 27.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.20% were married couples living together, 10.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.90% were non-families. 28.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the county, the population was spread out with 21.60% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 26.90% from 45 to 64, and 17.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 92.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,927, and the median income for a family was $33,292. Males had a median income of $26,157 versus $19,620 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,247. About 14.50% of families and 18.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.70% of those under age 18 and 16.00% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

External links

Greenbrier County, West Virginia | West Virginia counties | 1783 establishments