West Virginia (WV) is a mountainous state in the eastern USA with a rich history and beautiful scenery. It can be admired in the New River Gorge National Park and a number of state parks. The state’s economy is based on coal mining and agriculture, and the historical circumstances of the state’s formation are interesting. West Virginia broke away from Virginia in 1863. The capital and largest city of West Virginia is Charleston.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name West Virginia Abbreviation WV Capital Charleston Largest city Charleston (Population: 46 838) Current time 11:02 Time zone EST (UTC-5), state observes Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) Population 1,793,713 (#39 most populous US state) Area 24,230 mi² (#41 largest US state) Admitted to the Union June 20, 1863 (#35 state to join) ⭐ Capital of West Virginia
The capital of the state of West Virginia is Charleston. The city’s history began in the late 18th century after the American Revolutionary War, when pioneers began moving from their original settlements in Virginia further west. The brothers Thomas Bullitt and Cuthbert Bullitt, who acquired 2 mi² of land at the mouth of the Elk River in 1773, were most responsible for the founding of Charleston. The original fortified settlement became the town of Charleston in 1794, which became the capital of West Virginia in 1863.
🏙️ Largest City in West Virginia
The largest city in West Virginia is Charleston, with a total population of 46,838 in 2023. The second most populous city is Huntington with a population of 45,325 and the third largest city is Morgantown with a population of 30,429.
🕒 Time in West Virginia
The current time in West Virginia is [timezone=”America/New_York” format=”G:i”]. Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) is in effect throughout the state, with daylight saving time changing between March and November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of West Virginia
According to 2023 data, West Virginia had a population of 1,793,713, making it the 39th most populous state in the USA.
📍 Area of West Virginia
The total area of West Virginia is 24,230 mi², of which 24,078 mi² is land and only 152 mi² is water. West Virginia is the 41st largest state in the USA.
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Fun Facts About West Virginia
🧩 West Virginia Neighboring States
West Virginia shares borders with five US states. It shares borders with Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the east, Virginia to the south, and Kentucky to the southwest.
📅 Date of West Virginia Statehood
West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, as the 35th state in order when it seceded from Virginia.
📛 Nickname of the State of West Virginia
The nickname “The Mountain State” refers to the mountainous landscape and the Appalachian Mountains, which have a major influence on the geographic characteristics of West Virginia. The mountains have been a source of timber for local residents for centuries, which has helped to fuel the state’s economic development.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in West Virginia
The highest mountain in West Virginia is 4,862 ft Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia, located in the eastern part of the state in the Allegheny Mountains.
🏞️ Rivers in West Virginia
The longest river in West Virginia is the Ohio River, with the total length of flow in all states 981 mi. It is followed by the New River (317 mi), Potomac River (302 mi), Greenbrier River (173 mi), and Elk River (172 mi).
🎓 Universities in West Virginia
American Military University and American Public University have a combined enrollment of about 89,000 students, the vast majority of them online. Both schools are operated by a private company, with campuses located in Charles Town.
The largest public university in the state is West Virginia University, which was founded in 1867 in Morgantown and is now attended by around 24,000 students.
Another major university with 11,000 students is Marshall University, founded in 1837 and with its campus in Huntington.
✉️ West Virginia ZIP Codes
West Virginia has dedicated ZIP code ranges 247xx-268xx, you can search by address through the USPS website. For details on how the system works, see the article ZIP Codes in the USA.
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Weather in West Virginia
The best time to visit West Virginia is in September and October, when temperatures are still pleasant and nature is turning its fall colors.
Spring in West Virginia is usually marked by the awakening of nature and a gradual rise in temperatures. While temperatures in March still hover around 36°F to 55°F, by May it is already pleasant 54°F to 75°F. Temperature differences between different parts of the state are significant, with snow cover lasting into April in the Appalachian Mountains and other higher elevation areas. Rainfall is frequent in the spring.
Summers in West Virginia are humid and warm, with temperatures from June to September generally between 63°F and 84°F. The lowlands and valleys can be a few degrees higher, while the Appalachian Mountains tend to be cooler, making them an ideal destination for tourists looking to escape the heat. Rainy days are common in the summer, with occasional heavy thunderstorms accompanied by flash flooding.
Autumn in West Virginia is characterized by a slight cool down, with temperatures dropping from September’s 57°F to 79°F to the still acceptable 37°F to 57°F in November. Although there are fewer rainy days than in spring or summer, strong winds and sudden cooling should be expected. The weather is particularly changeable in the Appalachian Mountains.
Winters in West Virginia tend to be cold, with temperatures in Charleston generally between 27°F and 46°F, with temperatures dropping to 14°F at higher elevations. Snowfalls are frequent in mountainous areas, while at lower altitudes it usually rains.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in West Virginia
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Things to Do in West Virginia
1️⃣ New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge is one of the youngest national parks in the USA, having only been established in 2020. The park is situated along the New River, which ironically is one of the oldest rivers in the world in terms of geology.
The national park offers great conditions for rafting and kayaking, and its steep rock walls also make it popular with climbers. Iconic sites in the park include the New River Gorge Bridge, which, with its 1,700 ft, is one of the longest single-arch bridges in the world.
2️⃣ Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park gets its name from the unusually dark waterfalls, which get their color from the tannins of the conifers growing in the area. The main waterfall is 62.0 ft tall and is one of the most photographed landmarks in West Virginia. Several hiking trails with scenic overlooks run through the park, and cross-country skiing is a popular activity in the winter months.
3️⃣ Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry is a historic town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers northwest of Washington D. C. It made history with the events of October 16, 1859, when John Brown launched an attack on the federal weapons arsenal stored in Harpers Ferry. Brown hoped to arm the slaves and spark an uprising against the slaveholders.
The event contributed significantly to the subsequent outbreak of the American Civil War. Visitors can explore well-preserved historic buildings, museums and exhibits about the Civil War. The area is popular with tourists as the popular Appalachian Trail passes through the area.
4️⃣ Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
The Beckley Coal Mine gives an insight into the history of mining in the region. Visitors can take a ride on a mine train underground and learn from former miners what it was like to work in a coal mine. The site includes a replica mining village with historic buildings and a museum.
5️⃣ Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
The main attraction at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park near the Virginia border is a steam train ride on a historic early 20th century railroad. Visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of yesteryear and learn more about the region’s logging history.
The route leads through scenic mountain scenery to Bald Knob, with 4,843 ft the second highest peak in the state. You can stay in converted railroad employee cottages.
6️⃣ Bunker Greenbrier
The Greenbrier is a luxury resort near the Virginia border that isn’t all that interesting in itself. The interesting attraction is located underneath it, once a secret bunker that was built in the 1950s in case of nuclear war. The bunker was intended to serve as a backup headquarters for the United States Congress.
Today, visitors can explore it on an organized guided tour, with access to conference rooms, accommodations, and the bunker’s technical facilities.
7️⃣ West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston
The State Capitol in Charleston is one of the most important buildings in the state, dominated by its golden dome, whose height 292.0 ft exceeds that of the Capitol of the USA in Washington, D.C., with a dome height of 287.0 ft. The neoclassical structure was completed in 1932 to a design by architect Cass Gilbert. Visitors can take free guided tours of the interior, and there is a nice park overlooking the Kanawha River.
8️⃣ Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort
Snowshoe Mountain is the largest ski resort in the state, offering visitors over 60 runs of varying difficulty. The resort is located in the Allegheny Mountains, which provide excellent snow conditions. During the summer months, the area is popular for mountain biking, hiking and other outdoor activities.
9️⃣ Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
The state park is located on the site of one of the first battles of the American Civil War in West Virginia on September 10, 1861. Visitors can walk the nature trails, view the battlefields and view exhibits in the visitor center. The park includes picnic areas and overlooks the Gauley River. Reenactments of battles and historical demonstrations are held regularly.
🔟 Berkeley Springs State Park
Berkeley Springs State Park is famous for its thermal mineral springs, which were visited as early as George Washington’s time. Visitors can enjoy therapeutic treatments, massages and bathing in the mineral water. The park is located right in the town of Berkeley Springs, where there are several art galleries, shops and restaurants.
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Largest Cities in West Virginia
The table below shows the ten largest cities in the state of West Virginia in 2023, the source of the data is the United States Census Bureau, a federal agency whose main job is to count the population.
City County Population 1 Charleston Kanawha 46,838 Map of Charleston 2 Huntington Cabell, Wayne 45,325 Map of Huntington 3 Morgantown Monongalia 30,429 Map of Morgantown 4 Parkersburg Wood 29,025 Map of Parkersburg 5 Wheeling Ohio, Marshall 26,208 Map of Wheeling 6 Martinsburg Berkeley 18,935 Map of Martinsburg 7 Weirton Hancock, Brooke 18,386 Map of Weirton 8 Fairmont Marion 18,155 Map of Fairmont 9 Beckley Raleigh 16,576 Map of Beckley 10 Clarksburg Harrison 15,489 Map of Clarksburg -
Sports Teams in West Virginia
🏒 Ice Hockey (NHL)
There are no teams in West Virginia that play in the NHL.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
No West Virginia team plays in the NFL.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
West Virginia is not represented in the NBA basketball league.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
There is no team from West Virginia in the MLB league.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
There is no team from West Virginia in the MLS soccer league.
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West Virginia State Symbols
The state of West Virginia has a variety of symbols, some of which are listed here in the article.
State Flag of West Virginia
West Virginia adopted its flag on March 7, 1929. The main design is the state emblem in the middle of a white field, which represents purity and peace. The emblem on the flag is surrounded by the Rhododendron maximum, above which is a red ribbon with the state name. In addition, the flag’s edge is bordered by a blue border, which represents loyalty and allegiance.
Great Seal of West Virginia
The Great Seal of West Virginia was adopted in September 1863, its primary function being to authenticate documents issued by the government. The main motifs of the seal are the farmer and the miner, which represent the two main industries of the state. In the center of the seal is a brown stone engraved with the date June 20, 1863, which commemorates the date West Virginia entered the Union.
State Rock
The symbol of West Virginia in 2009 was black coal, whose rich deposits are found primarily in the Appalachian Mountains. Mining has played a significant role in the state’s economy since the early 19th century, and West Virginia has been one of the top coal producers in the United States.
State Animal
The black bear (Ursus americanus) officially became the symbol of West Virginia in 1973. The animal is found in the forests of the state, and was chosen as a symbol of courage, strength, and endurance.
State Fruit
In 1972, the apple was chosen as West Virginia’s fruit symbol. This decision was supplemented by the passage of a new law in 1995 that specified the variety as Golden Delicious. This variety of apple originated in 1905 in Clay County, where it was grown by one Anderson Mullins.
State Flower
By a vote of public school students and the recommendation of the Governor, the West Virginia state flower was the great laurel (Rhododendron maximum). The flower has spread throughout the state, growing most often in wooded areas.
State Colors
The official colors of West Virginia, by law passed on March 8, 1963, are old gold and blue. Old gold represents the state’s wealth and natural resources, especially its rich reserves of coal and other minerals. Blue symbolizes loyalty and constancy. Both blue and old gold are part of the state flag, and the colors are also used by West Virginia University.
State Bird
The bird symbol of West Virginia (and many other states) since 1949 has been the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Male cardinals are highly visible due to their deep red plumage, while the coloration of females is brown to olive green. You can see cardinals throughout West Virginia.
State Tree
The sugar maple (Acer saccharum), used to make maple syrup, joined the list of state symbols in 1949. In addition, maple wood has gained popularity among furniture makers for its strength and beauty.
State Fish
The brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is one of the native species in West Virginia’s waterways. It was selected as the symbol in 1973.
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