Jane Lew has been incorporated since May 27, 1907, making it the oldest incorporated town in Lewis County.  It was once the site of West’s Fort built to protect the settlers from the Indians.  The fort was built on a high rise overlooking Hackers Creek so they could see all approaches (High Street).

In later years Jane Lew was the home of Brigadier General Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn, a farmer, soldier and Baptist minister, most famous for his service as a Union General during the American Civil War.  In 1964 Joseph B. Lightburn, Jane Lew resident and merchant, was the Constitution Party candidate for President. The town’s Harness Shop Museum showcases products and mementos from the glass factory, brick plant, harness shop and high school that were once operational in the town.

Today Jane Lew sits alongside Interstate 79 and is within 6 miles of the intersection of Interstate 79 and Corridor H (Route 48/33).   There are two industrial parks, a corporate training site and the headquarters of Doss Enterprises, an oil and gas support company located on the town’s borders less than two miles from the Interstate 79 exit.  Jane Lew is the headquarters of All Service Realty and Auto Roundup publications, both entrepreneurs.  Today Jane Lew entrepreneurs operate a variety of restaurants, a large truck stop, funeral home, automotive repair and towing, laundromat, consignment shop, quilting shop, hair care/spa, window tinting, two heating and air conditioning companies, a lawn service, a sign and custom apparel creator, and a large home improvement center.  Others on Jane Lew’s border include Dollar General, Go Mart, 7Eleven, Mountaineer RV, Latham Pools, Citizen's Bank, Doss Enterprises, a motel, and a medical clinic.

The Jane Lew Park sits alongside Hackers Creek and is used by thousands of area residents throughout the year.  It contains two walking trails, three baseball fields, a basketball court, a senior fitness center, 2 playgrounds, 2 picnic pavilions, and a park building used for reunions, meetings, family gatherings, parties, educational events, a safety fair, etc.

The town is home to Jane Lew Elementary School.  Residents also attend Robert L. Bland Middle School in Weston and Lewis County High School in the Bendale area of Lewis County.

The Jane Lew Public Service District operates independently.  The Jane Lew Volunteer Fire Department is within the town’s borders.  The Firemen’s Arts and Crafts Festival held annually on Labor Day weekend is the biggest event in Lewis County.