Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About West Virginia

1. State Motto: "Montani Semper Liberi" (Mountaineers are Always Free).
2. State Bird: Northern Cardinal.
3. State Flower: Rhododendron.
4. West Virginia was formed during the Civil War when it broke away from Virginia in 1863.
5. The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the longest single-arch bridges in the world.
6. West Virginia is known as the "Mountain State" because it is entirely within the Appalachian Mountain region.
7. The Hatfield-McCoy Feud, one of the most famous family feuds in American history, took place in this region.
8. It is home to the country’s first national recreation area: the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
9. Lost World Caverns were discovered in 1942 and are a designated National Natural Landmark.
10. Harpers Ferry is where abolitionist John Brown staged his famous raid in 1859.

Geography of West Virginia

West Virginia’s geography is defined by its mountains, rivers, and lush forests:

• Highest Point: Spruce Knob (4,863 feet).
• Lowest Point: Potomac River (240 feet).
• Major Rivers: New River, Kanawha River, and Ohio River.

A Brief History of West Virginia

West Virginia’s history is deeply tied to its Appalachian roots and the Civil War:

• West Virginia became the 35th state in the Union on June 20, 1863.
• The coal and timber industries have played a major role in the state’s economy and history.
• West Virginia is known for its folk music, crafts, and Appalachian traditions.

Top 20 Things to Do in West Virginia

1. Raft the New River Gorge.
2. Hike to Seneca Rocks.
3. Visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
4. Relax at the Greenbrier Resort.
5. Take a scenic train ride at Cass Scenic Railroad.
6. Explore Blackwater Falls State Park.
7. Tour the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston.
8. Bike the Greenbrier River Trail.
9. Ski or snowboard at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
10. Visit the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.
11. Hike or ski at Canaan Valley Resort.
12. Tour Lost World Caverns.
13. Explore the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
14. Go boating on Summersville Lake.
15. Learn about coal mining at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.
16. Enjoy the views at Coopers Rock State Forest.
17. Hike in Dolly Sods Wilderness.
18. Take a ghost tour of the West Virginia Penitentiary.
19. Kayak the Gauley River.
20. Stroll through historic Lewisburg.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about West Virginia, visit the state’s official tourism site: West Virginia Tourism