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 the next two summers in Lewisburg as they refused to recognize the formation of a new state.
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.
Click or scan to see
this page online
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 for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 814 Washington St W, Lewisburg WV 24901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026
2. Virginia Supreme Court Library Marker in front of the building
Also see . . . Greenbrier County Library and Museum Nomination Form.
This form was prepared by C. Doyle Kester, Research Field Agent with the West Virginia Antiquities Commission on June 19, 1970. The statement of significance is on page 3:
On April 8, 1831, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia decreed that an annual session of the Supreme Court of Appeals be held in Lewisburg, Greenbrier County to serve the increasing population west of the mountains. The first session was held on August 1, 1831. Lewisburg, being such a great distance from Richmond, was not too well equipped with references to the law except that which the attorneys brought with them. So it was that the jurors persuaded a Mr. John Frasier, who(Submitted on April 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)operated a nearby in, to erect a building to serve as a Law library and study. This was leased to the State of Virginia until the court sessions ended in 1864.Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 20263. Plaque on the buildingThis structure is entered in the National Registry of Historic Places
All law books were removed to Richmond at this time and for several years the building was occupied by the Masonic Lodge. Their charter still hangs on the museum wall, dated 1796.
The Greenbrier College for Women came in ownership and, in 1935, the College Trustees deeded it to the town to be used as a library and museum, as it is today.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
