Facts About West Virginia

West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States. It is bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, and Pennsylvania and Maryland to the northeast. West Virginia is the 41st largest state by area and ranks 38th in population. It is known for its mountainous terrain, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife.

Geography

Location

West Virginia is located in the Appalachian region of the United States, bordered by Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. It is the 41st largest state in the US and the 38th most populous. West Virginia is the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains.

Size

West Virginia is 24,231 square miles in size, making it the 41st largest state in the US. It is the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains. The state is divided into 55 counties and has a population of 1.8 million people.

Topography

West Virginia is known for its rugged terrain and mountainous landscape. The state is home to the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains, Spruce Knob, which stands at 4,863 feet. The state also has several rivers, including the Potomac, Shenandoah, and Monongahela. The state is also home to several national forests, including the Monongahela National Forest and the George Washington National Forest. The state is also home to several state parks, such as Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State Park.

West Virginia is also known for its caves and caverns, including the Lost World Caverns and the Seneca Caverns. The state is also home to several ski resorts, such as Snowshoe Mountain and Winterplace Ski Resort. The state is also home to several historic sites, such as the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the New River Gorge National River.

History

Pre-Colonial History

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, West Virginia was home to numerous Native American tribes, including the Iroquois, Shawnee, and Delaware. These tribes lived in the area for thousands of years, and their presence can still be felt in the state today. Archaeological evidence suggests that the first inhabitants of West Virginia arrived in the area around 10,000 BC. During this time, the region was largely covered by forests and was home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bison. The first settlers were nomadic hunter-gatherers who relied on the land for their sustenance. They lived in small villages and hunted and gathered food from the surrounding forests.

Colonial History

The first Europeans to explore West Virginia were Spanish and French explorers who arrived in the area in the late 1500s. By the early 1700s, the British had established a presence in the region and began to colonize the area. During this time, many of the Native American tribes were displaced and forced to move westward. The British also established several forts in the region and began to build roads and settlements. In 1776, West Virginia became part of the newly formed United States of America.

Statehood

West Virginia officially became a state in 1863, during the American Civil War. The state was created when the western counties of Virginia seceded from the state and formed their own government. West Virginia was the only state to be created during the Civil War and was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863. Since then, West Virginia has grown and developed into a thriving state with a rich history and culture. Today, West Virginia is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and friendly people.

Demographics

Population

West Virginia is the 38th most populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of 1,792,147 as of 2019. This is a slight decrease from the population of 1,805,832 in 2010, which was a 4.2% decrease from the 2000 population of 1,808,344. West Virginia has a population density of 77.1 people per square mile, which is the lowest in the country. The state capital, Charleston, is the largest city in West Virginia, with a population of 51,400. Other major cities in the state include Huntington, Parkersburg, Morgantown, and Wheeling.

Ethnicity

According to the 2010 census, the racial makeup of West Virginia was 92.3% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.7% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.

Religion

West Virginia is a predominantly Christian state, with the largest religious group being Protestantism. According to a 2014 survey, 68% of West Virginians identified as Protestant, while 24% identified as Catholic. Other religious groups in the state include Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. The survey also found that 17% of West Virginians identified as having no religious affiliation.

Economy

West Virginia's economy is largely driven by the natural resources found in the state. The major industries in West Virginia are coal mining, oil and gas extraction, tourism, and timber. The coal industry is the largest employer in the state, with over 15,000 people employed in the industry. The oil and gas industry is also a major employer, with over 8,000 people employed in the industry.

Major Industries

In addition to coal mining and oil and gas extraction, West Virginia also has a strong tourism industry. The state is home to several national parks and forests, as well as a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The timber industry is also an important part of the state's economy, with over 1,000 people employed in the industry.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in West Virginia is currently 6.1%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 5.5%. The unemployment rate has been steadily decreasing since the beginning of the year, and is expected to continue to decline in the coming months.

Median Household Income

The median household income in West Virginia is $45,937, which is slightly lower than the national median of $50,221. The median household income has been steadily increasing over the past few years, and is expected to continue to rise in the coming years. The median household income in West Virginia is slightly lower than the national average, but is still higher than many other states in the region.

Culture

Music

West Virginia has a rich musical history, with many genres of music having been born in the state. One of the most famous is the traditional Appalachian folk music, which has been passed down through generations of West Virginians. This type of music is often characterized by the use of stringed instruments, such as the banjo, fiddle, and guitar, as well as the use of vocal harmonies. This type of music has been popularized by many famous West Virginia musicians, such as the legendary Carter Family and the late John Denver.

West Virginia is also known for its bluegrass music, which is a type of folk music that originated in the Appalachian Mountains. This type of music is characterized by its fast tempo, as well as its use of string instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, and guitar. Bluegrass music has been popularized by many West Virginia musicians, such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, and the late Earl Scruggs.

Cuisine

West Virginia is known for its unique cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the Appalachian region. One of the most popular dishes in the state is the West Virginia-style pepperoni roll, which is a type of sandwich made with pepperoni and cheese, wrapped in a soft white roll. This dish is often served as a snack or as a meal, and is a staple of many West Virginia restaurants.

West Virginia is also known for its unique take on fried chicken, which is often served with a side of gravy. This dish is often served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits. Another popular dish in the state is the West Virginia-style hot dog, which is a hot dog topped with chili, onions, and coleslaw.

Sports

West Virginia is home to several professional sports teams, including the West Virginia Power, a minor league baseball team, and the West Virginia Roughriders, a professional football team. The state is also home to several college sports teams, such as the West Virginia Mountaineers, who compete in the NCAA Division I.

West Virginia is also home to several professional motorsports teams, such as the West Virginia International Raceway and the West Virginia Motor Speedway. These tracks host a variety of events, including stock car racing, drag racing, and dirt track racing. West Virginia also hosts several off-road events, such as the annual Hatfield-McCoy Trail Ride, which is a popular event for off-road enthusiasts.