About Monroe County

A Brief Historical Sketch

Secluded in the Allegheny Highlands, present-day Monroe County remained a land unseen for several generations of early Virginia colonists. The first settlers arrived around 1760, beginning a 30-year period of frontier conflict. Formation of Monroe as a separate County, separated from Greenbrier, came in 1799. The new County was named for James Monroe, Virginia's governor at the time.

Monroe's economic basis has always been farming and timber harvesting. Beginning around 1790, two additional activities were important for about 70 years. It was the age of water power, and streams such as Indian Creek and The Second Creek supported more than two dozen water-powered mills. During the same period, the area's mineral springs became major summer resorts, catering to Southerners seeking relief from lowland summer heat.

Monroe County supported the Confederate cause during the War Between the States. When the Federal side carved the new State of West Virginia from Virginia in 1863, it included Monroe County, a designation resisted by residents until the 1865 surrender.

After the War, with the South's economy and social order devastated, the old resorts faded away. New railroads came nearby, but bypassed Monroe County except at its more accessible edges. Steam power and newer forms of energy overshadowed water power. Lacking suitable coal deposits, Monroe County lies outside the mining area which encompasses most of West Virginia. For these reasons, "Old Monroe" still relies largely on agriculture and retains its pastoral character. In recent times, its tranquil landscape has attracted a number of artisans, retirees, and knowledge workers.

Historic Districts and Features

This is an abridged list, not including private homes. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History maintains a complete list, including links to detailed information.

• Historic Districts
  • Alderson
  • Pickaway
  • Salt Sulphur Springs
  • Sweet Springs (Lynnside)
  • The Second Creek Watershed (proposed)
  • Union
• Covered Bridges
  • Indian Creek Covered Bridge (Rte. 219 south of Union)
  • Laurel Creek Covered Bridge (between Greenville and Lillydale)
• Other Structures (Excluding private homes; the buildings listed here are accessible to the public on at least a part-time basis.)
  • Cook's Old Mill (Greenville)
  • Reed's Mill (Second Creek; usually open on Saturdays)
  • Rehoboth Church and Museum (Rte. 3 east of Union; open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons April through October; other times by appointment - call 304-772-3518)
• Byways (more information)
  • Farm Heritage Road
  • Mountain's Shadow Trail
  • Wolf Creek
• Vehicle - The Monroe County Omnibus

Additional Information

The official Travel Monroe County site

The West Virginia Division of Highways has very detailed downloadable maps.

Monroe County Public Library

The Monroe County Clerk and Recorder has maintained records since 1799. Records 1778-1799 are held in Monroe's parent, Greenbrier County.

Genealogical Services: We are aware of one nearby genealogist (fee-based). This listing does not constitute endorsement of any such genealogical service, which we have not evaluated ourselves, and should be selected according to the client's own criteria and standards:

Mary F. Bodemuller
HC 81 Box 107
Lewisburg, WV 24901 with SASE
mbodemuller@yahoo.com