Travel

Flood carves a path of destruction at historic resort

Debris is stacked up along the back of the golf academy as workers begin the cleanup of the Old White Course on the property of the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., Tuesday, June 28, 2016. Flooding from heavy rains last week damaged the course canceling the PGA Tour event scheduled for next week and closing the Hotel. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Debris is stacked up along the back of the golf academy as workers begin the cleanup of the Old White Course on the property of the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., Tuesday, June 28, 2016. Flooding from heavy rains last week damaged the course canceling the PGA Tour event scheduled for next week and closing the Hotel. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

By Jonathan Mattise

July 1, 2016

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP) — The devastating floods last week that killed 23 people in West Virginia carved a path of destruction at the historic Greenbrier resort, one of the jewels of the state’s tourism industry.

Two bodies were discovered on the resort grounds, and the golf course where a PGA tournament was supposed to start during the week of July Fourth is a muddy mess, strewn with trash, tires, refrigerators and severed trees.

The 700-room resort has hosted presidents and royalty and holds a once-secret underground bunker built for Congress in case of nuclear attack during the Cold War.

But it’s now serving as a shelter for 300 flood victims, welcomed by the Greenbrier’s owner, gubernatorial candidate Jim Justice.

About the Author

Jonathan Mattise

More Stories

Keep Reading

Credit: Lori Oberhofer

Slow down to take in the beauty of Florida’s forgotten frontier

Diverse ecosystems, quirky attractions and historic landmarks surround isolated Everglades City.

The Latest

Credit: Lori Oberhofer

Slow down to take in the beauty of Florida’s forgotten frontier

5 unique Southeastern museums to scratch your culture itch

This Southern Living ‘Best Fall Getaway’ is less than 3 hours from Atlanta

Featured

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

6 report injuries after MARTA buses collide at DeKalb station

A MARTA spokesperson says six passengers are claiming they were hurt when two buses collided as one was pulling out of a stall at Kensington Station.

Georgia parks raise parking fees — and more price hikes could be on the way

Georgia will boost state park entrance fees in January, and an audit suggests more price hikes could be coming.

MARTA and Beltline rail two big transportation items on mayor’s agenda

While reaffirming his commitment to building light rail along the Beltline, Mayor Dickens says the first segment should go where transportation needs are greatest: SW Atlanta.