 West
Virginia Information
Capital
City: Charleston
Economy: Mining, agriculture,
tourism and manufacturing.
Language Description:
English.
Passport/Visa U.S.:
Canadians need to show proof of citizenship accompanied by a photo
ID (we recommend a passport). Reconfirm travel document requirements
with your carrier prior to departure.
Population: 1,808,344
Religion:
Christian (Protestant, Roman Catholic), Jewish
Time Zone: 5 hours
behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed
from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October
Voltage Requirements:
110 volts
West Virginia's
Flag: 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. From
50states.com
History
of West Virginia: West Virginia's early history
from 1609 until 1863 is largely shared with Virginia, of which it
was a part until Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. Then the
delegates of 40 western counties formed their own government, which
was granted statehood in 1863. First permanent settlement dates
from 1731 when Morgan Morgan founded Mill Creek. In 1742 coal was
discovered on the Coal River, an event that would be of great significance
in determining West Virginia's future. The state usually ranks third
in total coal production with about 15% of the U.S. total. It also
is a leader in steel, glass, aluminum, and chemical manufactures;
natural gas; oil; quarry products; and hardwood lumber. Major cash
farm products are poultry and eggs, dairy products, apples, and
feed crops. Nearly 75% of West Virginia is covered with forests.
Tourism is increasingly popular in mountainous West Virginia and
visitors spent $2.475 billion in 1990. More than a million acres
have been set aside in 35 state parks and recreation areas and in
9 state forests and national forests. Major points of interest include
Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge National River, The Greenbrier
and Berkeley Springs resorts, the scenic railroad at Cass, and the
historic homes in the Eastern Panhandle. Copyright ? Information
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Other West Virginia Links:
West Virginia
Chamber of Commerce
West Virginia Department of Education
West Virginia Division
of Tourism
West Virginia Library Commission
West Virginia Municipal
League
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