White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
In the first half of the nineteenth century, White Sulphur Springs grew as a southern destination for wealthy Virginia Low Country residents. These guests sought reprieve from heat, humidity, and disease during the sickly season. The springs resort became the standard summer home for these elite travelers seeking health benefits. As popularity increased, the site gained status as socially exclusive. Guests arrived from all over to experience the famous waters. The resort now known as The Greenbrier remains one of the country's most luxurious properties today.
Sam Snead served as the resort's golf pro for many years before becoming golf pro emeritus. Golf in the United States began near White Sulphur Springs when the Montague family founded Oakhurst Links in 1884. This club holds the distinction of being the oldest organized golf club in the entire country. In 1979, the resort hosted the first Ryder Cup featuring the current competitive setup of United States and European sides. The Greenbrier also hosted the inaugural PGA Greenbrier Classic in 2010. Several professional football teams including the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints have used the property as training camp locations.
The Washington Post reported in 1992 that the resort had been the site of a secret bunker called Project Greek Island. This Emergency Relocation Center was intended to house and protect the U.S. Congress during a nuclear attack. The facility existed underground beneath the grounds of the historic resort. It remained hidden from public view until journalists uncovered its existence decades after construction. The project represented a significant Cold War contingency plan for national leadership continuity.
At the 2010 census there were 2,444 people living in the city with 1,131 households. The racial makeup showed 83.7% White residents and 13.5% African American residents. Only 0.2% identified as Native American while 0.3% were Asian. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up 1.3% of the population. The median age reached 45.8 years according to those records. For every 100 females over age 18, there were 81.4 males. About 15.7% of families lived below the poverty line at that time.
White Sulphur Springs is located along Howard Creek within Greenbrier County. Amtrak provides service to the town three times weekly via the Cardinal route. The station sits at the entrance to The Greenbrier property. Services from AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular operate under lower tower frequencies due to the National Radio Quiet Zone designation. The Alleghany Subdivision of the former Chesapeake and Ohio Railway runs through the area. This rail line once carried limestone flux cargo between Hinton and Clifton Forge.
The city emblem features five dandelion flowers representing local flora. Citizens celebrate spring with an annual Dandelion Festival each year. In 1987 the White Sulphur Springs Library was rebuilt from the old community house. The building containing the library received a new name in 2017 as the Katherine Coleman Johnson Building. This honors the White Sulphur Springs native who became a NASA scientist. Local institutions include Greenbrier Episcopal School and White Sulphur Springs Elementary.
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Common questions
What is the history of White Sulphur Springs West Virginia?
White Sulphur Springs grew as a southern destination for wealthy Virginia Low Country residents in the first half of the nineteenth century. The resort became the standard summer home for elite travelers seeking health benefits from the famous waters.
When did golf begin near White Sulphur Springs West Virginia?
Golf in the United States began near White Sulphur Springs when the Montague family founded Oakhurst Links in 1884. This club holds the distinction of being the oldest organized golf club in the entire country.
Where is the secret bunker located under White Sulphur Springs West Virginia?
The Washington Post reported in 1992 that the resort had been the site of a secret bunker called Project Greek Island. This Emergency Relocation Center existed underground beneath the grounds of the historic resort to house and protect the U.S. Congress during a nuclear attack.
How many people live in White Sulphur Springs West Virginia according to the 2010 census?
At the 2010 census there were 2,444 people living in the city with 1,131 households. The median age reached 45.8 years according to those records.
What is the location of White Sulphur Springs West Virginia?
White Sulphur Springs is located along Howard Creek within Greenbrier County. Amtrak provides service to the town three times weekly via the Cardinal route.