Nicholas County was formed in 1818 from Greenbrier, Kanawha, and Randolph and was named for Wilson C. Nicholas, governor of Virginia from 1814 to 1817. In this county in 1861, sharp engagements were fought at Kessler's Cross Lanes and at Carnifex Ferry. Greenbrier County was formed in 1778 from Botetourt and Montgomery and was named for the river that drains it. This county had many pioneer forts, saw many bloody Indian battles, and is the site of the world-famed White Sulphur and other mineral springs.