As early as 1778, visitors came to the "take the waters" in White Sulphur Springs, beginning the tale of the reosrt's more than 235 year history. In the first half of the 19th century, the resort was host to a wide range of guests, from political and religious figures to merchants and landowners. During the Civil War, the resort itself was closed, but the grounds were used by both Union and Confederate troops. In the early 20th century, the grounds and buildings continued to expand, and in 1914, the resort became known as "The Greenbrier." As the 1950s approached, the U. S. government worked with the hotel to build an emergency relocation center for the U. S. Congress, a facility that was maintained for three decades. Since the 1970s, the Greenbrier has continued to expand its grounds, buildings, and outdoor and indoor activities, drawing guests from all walks of life.

For more information, see the Greenbrier's website and The History of the Greenbrier: America's Resort, c.1989 (TX 941 G744 C66 1989 in Special Collections and Newman Library).