Moving to West Virginia? More information about West Virginia, WV.
West Virginia is the 41
st Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 24,087 sq mi and water area of 145 sq mi. It acquired statehood on June 20, 1863. West Virginia is the 35
th state of the 50 United States of America. The state was part of Virginia until the American Civil War (1861-1865). West Virginia is nicknamed the Mountain State. West Virginia lies in the heart of the Appalachian Highlands.
Economy of West Virginia
Personal income per Capita - $16,477 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Cattle, Dairy Products, Poultry, Apples.
Industry - Chemical products, Mining, Primary metals, Stone, Clay, and Glass Products, Tourism.
History of West Virginia
Much of West Virginia’s population worked in coal mines during the early 1900s. The work was dangerous and accidents killed hundreds of miners. In 1902, the United Mine Workers labor union organized several miners and demanded safer working conditions, shorter work hours, and better wages. Deadly fights often broke out between mine owners and union members, which ended for a short time under military law. In 1933, the National Recovery Administration was established. It protected union members and helped to bring about the needed changes within the mines. A nationwide energy shortage increased demand for coal during the 1970s. New mines were opened and better technology processed the fuel more efficiently. However during the mid-1980s, prices for coal again dropped sharply. New developments in manufacturing have helped to diversify the economy and state leaders are striving to lessen the economy’s dependence upon coal by attracting other industries to the state.
A white field is bordered in dark blue. West Virginia's flag displays a rock containing the date June 20, 1863, the day West Virginia became a state. The two men represent farming and mining. Below them are two rifles with a "Liberty Cap" on top the rifles. A banner ribbon includes the state motto " Mountainiers Are Always Free". Around the picture are a wreath of rhododendren and the name of the state on a red ribbon.
Famous people of West Virginia
Mary Lou Retton (1968-) Olympic gold medallist of gymnastics, was born in Fairmont.
George Brett (1953-) Former major league baseball player with the Kansas City Royals, was born in Glen Dale.
Kathy Mattea (1959) Country music singer, was born in South Charleston.
Steve Yeager (1948-) Baseball player; born in Huntington.
Interesting Facts about West Virginia
- On July 1, 1921, West Virginia was the first state to have a sales tax.
- The longest block in the world is the 1500 block of Virginia Street.
- West Virginia is one of the nation's leading producers of bituminous coal and is also noted for the manufacture of fine glass.
- Nearly 80% of West Virginia is covered with forests.
- West Virginia is the second-largest coal producing state in the country.
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