From the front flap of this 224 page "'The History of The America's Resort' is a colorful and comprehensive chronicle of the resort's growth and development over the years. More than that, it is an intriguing study in the history of fashionable society. Here the changing rituals of American social life are on lavish Southern aristocrats gathering about the Springhouse back before the Civil War engaged in politics, romance and 'taking the waters'; beautiful and witty belles dancing at elaborate cotillions on summer evenings in the ballroom of the Old White Hotel; prominent high-society figures strolling into The Greenbrier's chandeliered dining rooms after stepping off their private railroad cars; presidents and professional golfers working on their best games against the legendary Sam Snead. Today, The Greenbrier is widely regarded as one of the finest resorts in the world. It is also one of the most historic places in America, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. The book traces the story of The Greenbrier from its origin as a frontier 'watering place' over two hundred years ago to its present status as a world-class resort."