e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia Online

Lewisburg

Last updated on 19 Mar 2025 by Stan Bumgardner

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Lewisburg, once voted America’s “coolest small town,” has a lively arts community, thriving and varied commerce, and a high quality of life.

The Virginia General Assembly officially established Lewisburg in 1782. At an elevation of 2,300 feet, the seat of Greenbrier County has long been a refuge from East Coast summer heat and humidity. The climate and numerous natural springs have brought visitors to the area since the pre-Colonial era. The town is situated at what was once the crossing of the Seneca and Midland trails, which now are incorporated into U.S. 219 and U.S. 60. Interstate 64 also passes near Lewisburg and nearby White Sulphur Springs, home of the Greenbrier, whose clientele keeps many upscale Lewisburg antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants busy.

Lewisburg is unusually bustling for a town of 3,930 residents. There are dozens of clothing stores, gift shops, pubs, coffee and sandwich shops, bakeries, and places for more refined meals.

  • Historic Lewisburg

    The 236-acre National Register Historic District highlights the town's rich history, which was preserved after a major fire in August 1897. You can find brochures about the downtown district at the county visitor center and many other places aroun...

  • Andrew Lewis Park

    In 1751, Andrew Lewis, along with his father John and brother Thomas, camped in this area while surveying the land. The Lewis family played an important role in the settlement and defense of the region. Later, in 1774, Andrew Lewis gathered over 1...

  • Dick Pointer

    On May 29, 1778, Dick Pointer's quick thinking and actions were crucial in protecting the settlers at Fort Donnally during a Shawnee Indian attack as part of the Revolutionary War. Pointer was one of the first to hear the alarm and helped defend t...

  • North House Museum

    The North House Museum offers a deep dive into American history with a wide range of collections, including artifacts from the Revolutionary War through World War II. The Civil War artifacts and the pack saddle used with Robert E. Lee’s horse, Tra...

  • Old Stone Presbyterian Church

    Built in 1796, the Old Stone Presbyterian Church is the oldest church building in continuous use west of the Alleghenies. The Rev. Benjamin Grigsby’s dedication verse from Psalm 127:1, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that buil...

  • Greenbrier County Courthouse

    Lewisburg has long been a center of law and education. In 1831, the Virginia Supreme Court began meeting regularly here. The current county courthouse, constructed in 1837, is the oldest in continuous operation in West Virginia.

  • Carnegie Hall

    Built in 1902 by Andrew Carnegie for what would become the Greenbrier College for Women, this arts and education center is one of four Carnegie Halls still in continuous use worldwide.

  • Lost World Caverns

    Lost World Caverns, one of the largest in the state, is located about two miles north of Lewisburg. The cave has around 6,000 feet of passages, but the normal tour shows only about 600 feet.Discovered in 1942, it was originally called Grapevine Ca...

  • The State Fair

    Every summer, the State Fair in neighboring Fairlea brings an influx of traffic, musical acts, agricultural exhibits and contests, and food--lots of delicious food!