Other meanings of West Virginia
U.S. States
West Virginia is a landlocked state in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the east and northeast, Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest. Known as the "Mountain State," it is the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains, with an average elevation of about 1,500 feet (460 m) above sea level. Its capital and largest city is Charleston.
West Virginia's rugged terrain is defined by the Appalachian Mountains, including the Allegheny and Cumberland ranges. The state is dissected by numerous rivers, most notably the Ohio River along its western border and the New River, which has carved the New River Gorge—now a national park and preserve. The eastern panhandle contains the Shenandoah Valley's northern tip. The climate is humid subtropical in the lower elevations and humid continental in the higher mountains, with significant snowfall in the highlands. The state experiences frequent temperature inversions that trap pollution in valley towns.
Originally part of Virginia, the region's western counties were geographically isolated and economically distinct, with fewer plantations and more small farms. During the Civil War, these counties remained loyal to the Union, and in 1863 they were admitted as a separate state. The state's history has been shaped by coal mining, which began in earnest in the late 19th century and led to labor conflicts such as the Mine Wars of the early 20th century. The state also saw significant timber extraction and, later, a decline in manufacturing. The New River Gorge Bridge, completed in 1977, became a symbol of modern engineering and is celebrated annually with Bridge Day.
Coal mining has historically dominated the economy, but its decline has led to economic diversification into natural gas, tourism, and healthcare. The state has a high poverty rate and has experienced population decline in recent decades. The population is predominantly white (about 93%), with small African American and Asian communities. The state has a strong tradition of labor unionism, particularly in the coal fields. The largest cities are Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown, the latter home to West Virginia University, a major research institution.
West Virginia is known for its Appalachian folk culture, including traditional music, crafts, and storytelling. The state is famous for its outdoor recreation, including whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and skiing at resorts like Snowshoe. The state's cuisine includes pepperoni rolls, a snack invented by Italian miners, and the iconic Tudor's Biscuit World chain. The state is also home to the Green Bank Observatory, which operates the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's site is located in a National Radio Quiet Zone.
West Virginia has several obscure distinctions. It is the only state to be admitted to the Union by presidential proclamation, as President Lincoln signed the statehood bill. The state's constitution was written in Wheeling, which served as the temporary capital. The town of Thurmond, once a bustling coal town, is now a ghost town with a population of five. The state has a unique law that allows residents to own a pet raccoon with a permit. The New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in the world, despite its name. The state's official state animal is the black bear, and its state insect is the monarch butterfly.
This article focuses on the U.S. state of West Virginia, not the historical region of Virginia.
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