West Virginia is known as "The Mountain State" for its rugged terrain. The entire state is located within the Appalachian Mountain chain, which makes it a prime spot for outdoors enthusiasts (as well as spelunkers who enjoy exploring the vast network of caves and caverns beneath the mountains). Culturally, West Virginia is a true "border state" between the northern and southern United States. It separated from the state of Virginia in 1863 as part of a plan to keep the number of "free" and "slave" states in balance and thus forestall onset of the American Civil War.
Origin of state's name: At one time, West Virginia was the westernmost part of the territory of Virginia. Virginia was named in honor of Elizabeth I, the "Virgin Queen" of England.
Capital city: The capital of West Virginia is the city of
Charleston. It was originally populated by the Adena Indians, a group of mound builders who left one of their largest monuments in South Charleston. The first permanent European settler in the area was a Virginian named Colonel Thomas Bullitt. The land passed from the Bullitt family to Colonel George Clendenin. Clendenin established a fort there, which eventually became a town named in honor of his father, Charles Clendenin.
Population: As of 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that West Virginia had a population of more than 1.8 million residents.
Driving: Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the
West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) website.
Agriculture and Industry: Extractive coal mining has traditionally been one of the largest industries in West Virginia, and it is still an important source of income, but its role is diminishing in favor of service jobs. Manufacturing (particularly steel, chemicals, glass and textiles) has also played a part in the economy, and so has tourism. The state's rugged terrain has made transporting goods difficult, and that has earned West Virginia a reputation of having one of the weakest economies in the United States.
State Bird: The West Virginia state bird is the cardinal. The male cardinal is a brilliant scarlet, and the birds were named for the red-clad cardinals of the catholic church.
State Tree: The sugar maple is the state tree. It is noted for its sweet syrup and its brilliant autumn foliage.
State Flower: The West Virginia state flower is the Rhododendron, a sweet-smelling white flower that grows on bushes with glossy green leaves.
State Song: "West Virginia Hills" is the official state song.