text: Gilmer County celebrates its 268th birthday this week!  It was formed on February 3, 1845, from Kanawha and Lewis Counties.  It was named after Virginia Gov. Thomas W. Gilmer.  In 1885 a citizen of Gilmer Co. wrote the song ?ÛÏThe West Virginia Hills?Û?, our state song.  That was Ellen R. King.  Happy birthday Gilmer County!