Lewisburg in Greenbrier County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Virginia Supreme Court Library
In 1831, the Virginia Assembly recognized the need to increase the government's presence in the area then known as "western Virginia." On April 8th, the assembly passed a law stating that the Supreme Court would have a month-long summer session in Lewisburg. The Virginia Supreme Court held its first session in August 1831. Before then, all cases were heard in Richmond, requiring participants to travel great distances to attend court.
James Frazer purchased land along the Midland Trail, and began constructing a two-story structure that he would lease to the court for offices and a library. Completed in 1834, the new brick building had generous space for the required books and documents of the court. In 1836 James Frazer would acquire the North House and open the Star Hotel to lodge lawyers and judges across the street from the library.
Fun Facts
In 1858 the building began to be used as a Masonic Lodge when the court was not in session. The Masons occupied the building until 1917.
Even after the formation of the state of West Virginia in June of 1863 the Supreme Court of Virginia continued to meet for thenext two summers in Lewisburg as they refused to recognize the formation of a new state.
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The Greenbrier County Library and Museum opened on August 1st, 1941. It operated as the county library until 2007 and the original museum collection is now held by the Greenbrier Historical Society.
Civil War Graffiti
On May 23, 1862, Union and Confederate troops clashed in the Battle of Lewisburg. To provide relief for the injured, public buildings in town were used as hospitals to treat men from Ohio and Virginia, including the law library. While being cared for at the law library, soldiers graffitied the walls with images and text, some of which can still be seen today.
Erected by Greenbrier Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Government & Politics • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is April 8, 1831.
Location. 37° 48.189′ N, 80° 26.882′ W. Marker is in Lewisburg, West Virginia, in Greenbrier County. It is on Washington Street West (Route 60) west of Courtney Drive, on the left when traveling west. Touch
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026
2. Virginia Supreme Court Library Marker in front of the building
Regionally, this marker is in the Southern Coalfields. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Stepping Stones (a few steps from this marker); William Cammack Campbell (a few steps from this marker); History of Lewisburg / North House Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Dooryard Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Lewisburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Shuck Memorial Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Greenbrier College for Women (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Lewisburg (within shouting distance
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026
3. Plaque on the building
This structure is entered in the National Registry of Historic Places
Also see . . . Supreme Court Library Building (now known as Greenbrier County Library and Museum). Wikipedia entry:
Links to National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (Submitted on August 31, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 19 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
