West Virginia
by unloveablesteve wv.gov West Virginia ( /wst vrdnj/ (helpinfo)) is a state in the Appalachian and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, and Pennsylvania and Maryland to the northeast. The capital and largest city is Charleston. West Virginia became a state following the Wheeling Conventions, breaking away from Virginia during the American Civil War. The new state was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, and was a key Civil War border state. West Virginia was the only state to form by seceding from a Confederate state, and was one of only two states formed during the American Civil War (the other one being Nevada, which separated from Utah Territory). The Census Bureau considers West Virginia part of the South, as most of the state is south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The northern panhandle extends adjacent to Pennsylvania and Ohio with the West Virginia cities of Wheeling and Weirton being just across the border from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, while Bluefield is less than 70 miles from North Carolina and Harpers Ferry is considered to be a part of the Washington metropolitan area. The unique position of West Virginia means that it is often included in a wide variety of geographical regions, including the Upland South, the Southeastern United States and even the Northeastern United States. Notably, it is the only state which entirely lies within the area served by the Appalachian Regional Commission, which is a common definition of Appalachia. The state is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, its historically-significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research. The karst lands contribute to much of the states cool trout waters. It is also known for a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing, whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and hunting. Contents 1 Geography and environment 1.1 Climate 2 History 2.1 Prehistory 2.2 European exploration and settlement 2.3 Trans-Allegheny Virginia 2.4 Separation from Virginia 2.5 Hidden resources 3 Demographics 3.1 Religion 4 Economy 5 Transportation 6 Law and government 6.1 Legislative branch 6.2 Executive branch 6.3 Judicial branch 6.4 Politics 7 State capitals 8 Important cities and towns 8.1 Large cities 8.2 Towns and small cities 8.3 Metropolitan Statistical Areas 8.4 Micropolitan Statistical Areas 9 Education 9.1 Colleges and universities 10 Distinctions 11 Culture 11.1 Music 11.1.1 Appalachian music 11.1.2 Classical music 11.1.3 Musical innovation 11.2 Sports 11.3 In popular culture 12 See also 13 References 14 Further reading 15 External links // Geography and environment Shaded relief map of the Cumberland Plateau and Ridge-and-valley Appalachians. The summit of Spruce Knob is often covered in clouds. Main article: Geography of West Virginia See also: List of counties in West Virginia and List of West Virginia county seats West Virginia is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north; by Ohio to the north and west; by Kentucky to the west; by Maryland to the north and east; and by Virginia to the east and south. The Ohio and Potomac rivers form parts of the boundaries. West Virginia is located entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range and all areas are mountainous; for this reason it is nicknamed The Mountain State and also is partially the reason why its motto is mountaineers are always free. About 75% of the state is within the Cumberland Plateau and Allegheny Plateau regions. Though the relief is not high, the plateau region is extremely rugged in most areas. The average elevation of West Virginia is approximately 1,500 feet (460 m) above sea level, which is the highest of any US state east of the Mississippi River. On the eastern state line with Virginia, high peaks in the Monongahela National Forest region give rise to an island of colder climate and ecosystems similar to those of northern New England and eastern Canada. The highest point in the state is atop Spruce Knob, at 4,863 ft (1,482 m), is covered in a boreal forest of dense spruce trees at altitudes above 4,000 feet (1,200 m). Spruce Knob lies within the Monongahela National Forest and is a part of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. A total of six wilderness areas can also be found within the forest. Outside the forest to the south, the New River Gorge is a 1,000 feet (300 m) deep canyon carved by the New River. The National Park Service manages a portion of the gorge and river that has been designated as the New River Gorge National River, one of only 15 rivers in the U.S. with this level of protection. Other areas under protection and management include: Appalachian National Scenic Trail Bluestone National Scenic River Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Che