Exploring the Hidden Histories of Western Greenbrier County

The Hidden Histories project, an ongoing research study lead by Board Members Janice Cooley, Margaret Hambrick, and Vicky Cline and AmeriCorps Oral Historian Vicky Neal, is dedicated to recognizing the unique history of Western Greenbrier County through recording oral histories from people in the communities, gathering photos and artifacts, and collaborating with Greenbrier West High School.  Research includes:

• The local Coal, Timber, and Railroad industries
• The People who lived here and worked these industries
• Their Family Life, Work Life, Education, and Religion

The ultimate goal of the Hidden Histories project is to place an exhibit in Western Greenbrier County that encompasses the entirety of all information gathered. Read below for previews of the exhibit! Be sure to check back in and stay up to date with GHS social media to receive updates on our progress. 

Contact Information

Know anyone who would like to contribute to the Hidden Histories project? We are looking for: 

• Photos - especially from the 1900-1950's, photos from work, family, or social life
• Documents - letters, newspapers (preferably with date) with articles or advertising, maps, architectural drawings
• Artifacts - items used in days gone by; tools, work or home life, toys, clothing

Please contact Vicky Neal at [email protected] or 304.392.5166. 

Janice Cooley (left) and Vicky Neal (right) at the North House Museum.

Rupert, WV: A Tale of Two Towns

There were once two towns named Rupert: one in Greenbrier County, and one in Fayette County.​

Cyrus Rupert first came to Greenbrier County, West Virginia (Virginia) circa 1829 when he was seventeen years old. Cyrus became friends with Andrew McClung - it is most likely through him that Cyrus began to acquire property near the mouth of Big Clear Creek. This property became the basis for a settlement that would later become Rupert, West Virginia. Cyrus A. Rupert became the doctor for the 

​western part of Greenbrier County and eastern Fayette County. He also believed in getting paid for his work and would do contracts with the payment details written out, whether for money or goods and services.

In 1869, Cyrus and Rachel Rupert bought a large tract of land above Sewell Station in Fayette County where Rupert named a town, Ledona (Ledonia), for his first-born child and another small village, Rupert. Both the village of Ledona and this Fayette County town of Rupert have ceased to exist. Cyrus Rupert continued to practice medicine and deal in property until his death at his home in 1891.

The James River and Kanawha Turnpike

The James River and Kanawha Turnpike began as a bison trail. Greenbrier County was once a part of hunting lands shared by several Native American Tribes and they used the trails to get to the salt licks further west. Young George Washington surveyed along this trail with the plan to develop a canal and road system to aid in further development of western territories. While some parts of Route 60/Midland Trail follow along this trail, the original path did not go through Rupert, Charmco, etc. The original turnpike can be taken from Sam Black Church exit to the Smoot Road to Meadow Bluff. Road signs for the James River and Kanawha Turnpike will guide you over the mountains into Rainelle. 

More to come!

Stay tuned on our Facebook page and check back in on this webpage for more updates on the Hidden Histories project!