Nicholas County was formed in 1818 from Kanawha, Greenbrier, 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 Carnifex Ferry and at Kessler's Cross Lanes. Braxton County was formed in 1836 from Kanawha, Lewis, and Nicholas and was named for Carter Braxton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In this county, Washington planned to establish an important point in a project for western communication.