GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – The Greenbrier Historical Society has released its plans for a “Home and History Tour” Weekend June 13-14 in Greenbrier County. This is a chance to immerse yourself in the history of one of the earliest settlements in the Greenbrier Valley, tour beautiful homes, explore an old railroad town, and enjoy the award-winning food scene.
Al Emch, President of the Greenbrier Historical Society, said, “As we get ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, what better time to visit the earliest community in the Greenbrier Valley?”
The weekend begins with a Friday evening talk by Dr. Sarah McCartney, Assistant Professor at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, who did some of her dissertation research in the Archives at the North House, and is considered an expert in the early settlement of the area. She will help visitors understand the impetus for the settlement; the hardships faced; and the impact on Native Americans and the land. Her talk will be followed by a reception on the lawn of the North House Museum where a glass of wine and some nibbles will foster continued conversation in preparation for the Home and History Tour the next day.
The first settlers in this area arrived in the 1750’s but were forced back. In 1767, a second group of settlers arrived in the Greenbrier Valley, eventually creating the first permanent community in Frankford in 1769. John Stuart came to the area in 1767 to hunt and explore. Stuart was so taken with the land he bought acreage from Col. Frogg and built a log cabin, which he named Grumble Thorpe, about a mile and a half west of Frankford. Circa 1820, he built a substantial brick house near Frankford for his son, Charles Agustus Stuart. Now encompassing more than 13,000 square feet and sitting on 2000 acres, this magnificent house, known as the Charles Stuart House, is owned by the Long family. It will be available for touring on Saturday, June 14.
The village of Frankford was formally laid out in 1801. The Frankford Presbyterian Church’s congregation was organized in 1853. The Church building was built in 1855 and it remains largely unchanged today. The balcony pews were for enslaved people and all pews are original. Visitors can see the original log floor joists and beams through an opening in the basement.
Buffalo Ridge is a log home likely built between 1828 and 1848 by the Beard family. It served as the homeplace of the Spencer family for most of the 20th century. Some of the family memories of Brenda and Linda Spencer will be shared during the tour. Lovingly restored by the Slonaker family, it once again rings with laughter when their grandchildren come to visit.
The Bright-Wilson house is a quintessential example of the repurpose and reuse of materials. The original log house was incorporated into a Victorian farmhouse and more recent modern touches have been added.
The Town of Renick represents the industrial era. Inspired by the arrival of the Greenbrier Branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, Renick was incorporated in 1906. The railroad boomtown had everything a community needed including a bank, a jail, a factory which prepared wood to make desks, hand water pumps and a hotel. You can explore the remnants of Renick’s past with the help of signs provided by GHS.
The 2025 Home and History Tour includes View Spots, Places of Interest, and stunning views of farmland as well as opportunities for food and drink. Lewisburg was recently named one of the Ten Best Small Town Food Scenes by USA Today for the third year in a row. Small farm-to-table restaurants and bakeries in the Frankford/Renick area will also be highlighted.
Margaret Hambrick, Secretary of the Greenbrier Historical Society, said, “We are really excited to present this Home and History Tour weekend. Each time we hold this event, we try to surpass the previous one and I think we have done it again! Please come and explore with us.”
From the earliest settlement to the railroad boom, the 2025 Home and History Tour provides a wonderful opportunity to delve into the history of the Frankford and Renick areas. The vistas are magnificent across acres of farmland with the cattle enjoying the spring grass. The Friday evening Talk and Reception are from 6 to 8 and the Home Tour on Saturday is from 10-4. Virtual tickets are available at greenbrierhistorical.org.
