WEST VIRGINIA

Mountain State

Origin of state's name: Like Virginia, named after England's Queen Elizabeth I, the "Virgin Queen"

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.

Entered Union: June 20, 1863; 35th State
Capital: Charleston
Motto: Montani Semper Liberi (Mountaineers are always free)
Flower: Big rhododendron
Bird: Cardinal
Tree: Sugar maple
Songs: The West Virginia Hills; This is My West Virginia; West Virginia, My Home, Sweet Home

A LITTLE HISTORY
Early explorers included George Washington in 1753 and Daniel Boone. The area became part of Virginia and often objected to rule by the eastern part of the state. When Virginia seceded in 1861, the Wheeling Conventions repudiated the act and created a new state, Kanawha, subsequently changed to West Virginia. It was admitted to the Union as such in 1863.

Get Sponsored

FACTS AND TRIVIA ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia was a part of Virginia until that state seceded from the United States in 1861; delegates from 40 counties formed their own government, and statehood was granted them two years later..

Nearly 80% of West Virginia is covered with forests.

Because of its mountains, West Virginia is sometimes referred to as "the Switzerland of the United States".

West Virginia is the second-largest coal producing state in the country.

West Virginia has long been famous for its manufacture of fine glass.

Graphics Above Made at ZY Graphics-For Free Go Get Yours!!!