West Virginia - The Mountain State

West Virginia

West Virginia

Welcome to West Virginia

West Virginia, known as the “Mountain State,” is a land of rolling hills, forested mountains, and winding rivers. Located in the heart of the Appalachian region, it was formed during the Civil War when the western counties of Virginia chose to remain loyal to the Union. The state’s rugged landscape has shaped both its history and its culture, inspiring strong communities and a deep connection to nature.

Geography and Natural Beauty

West Virginia’s terrain is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains, offering some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery in the eastern United States. From the New River Gorge to the Monongahela National Forest, its valleys and ridges provide countless opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring. The state’s elevation and forests also make it a haven for wildlife and outdoor recreation.

Culture and Heritage

West Virginians take pride in their traditions of craftsmanship, music, and storytelling. Bluegrass and folk music echo through its mountain towns, while festivals celebrate Appalachian heritage throughout the year. Once known for its coal mining industry, the state continues to evolve, drawing visitors with its small-town charm, outdoor adventures, and resilient spirit.

Virginia Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Appalachian Region, Southeastern United States
  1. West Virginia was formed during the Civil War when it separated from Virginia in 1863 to remain loyal to the Union.
  2. It is the only state entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range.
  3. The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world and is featured on the U.S. quarter for West Virginia.
  4. Bridge Day, held annually in October, allows people to parachute and bungee jump off the New River Gorge Bridge.
  5. Coal mining has been a major part of the state’s economy for more than 150 years.
  6. The Greenbrier, a famous resort in White Sulphur Springs, once served as a secret Cold War bunker for the U.S. Congress.
  7. West Virginia is known for its stunning fall foliage and outdoor recreation like whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing.
  8. It has one of the highest percentages of forested land of any U.S. state—nearly 80% covered in trees.
  9. Country roads, rolling hills, and small mountain towns inspired John Denver’s famous song “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
  10. Harpers Ferry, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, was the site of John Brown’s 1859 raid that helped ignite the Civil War.
Population Approximately 1.77 million (2025 estimate)
Area 24,230 square miles (41st largest)
Statehood June 20, 1863 (35th state)
Capital City Charleston
Largest City Charleston
Abbreviation WV
Nickname The Mountain State
Geography Entirely within the Appalachian Mountains; features rugged terrain, rolling hills, deep valleys, and many rivers, including the Ohio and Kanawha.
Bordering States Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland
Economy Historically based on coal mining and logging; today includes energy production, manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare.
State Tree Sugar Maple
State Bird Northern Cardinal

Our Content
West Virginia Map

Interactive and Printable West Virginia Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable West Virginia maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own West Virginia map.

West Virginia History

History of West Virginia

West Virginia was formed in 1863 when it separated from Virginia during the Civil War to remain loyal to the Union. The state became known for its coal mining industry and its role in shaping America’s labor movement.
Stonewall Jackson

Famous People from West Virginia

Stonewall Jackson, a famous Civil War general, was born in what is now Clarksburg, West Virginia. Pearl S. Buck, born in Hillsboro, became the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for her novel The Good Earth.
Comprehension

West Virginia Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
West Virginia Symbols Coloring

Fun West Virginia Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational West Virginia-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to West Virginia' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Fun West Virginia and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as West Virginia or Not West Virginia, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.