West Virginia, US

About

West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian Mountain region of the Southern United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Some key facts about West Virginia:

• Capital: Charleston
• Population: Around 1.8 million
• Area: 24,230 square miles
• Nickname: The Mountain State

West Virginia's terrain is defined by the Appalachian Mountains, forests, rivers, and valleys. The state has countless mountain peaks and rolling hills. Major rivers include the Ohio River, Kanawha River, and Monongahela River. The mountainous topography lends to rugged, uneven land.

Coal mining has played a pivotal role in the state's history and development, along with timbering and chemical manufacturing. The economy today also relies on agriculture, biotech, and tourism based around outdoor recreation.

Cities like Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Wheeling serve as economic and cultural hubs. West Virginia University and Marshall University are flagship educational institutions. The state struggles with poverty and the decline of coal mining jobs.

West Virginia is known for stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, fishing, hunting, and skiing. Popular sites include Harpers Ferry, Seneca Rocks, and Blackwater Falls. The state has four distinct seasons.

In summary, West Virginia's winding mountains, mining heritage, and natural splendor make it a scenic state with rural charm despite underdevelopment and economic challenges. Its untouched mountain backdrop provides an escape into quintessential Appalachia.

Quick Facts about West Virginia

Seal of West Virginia seal image

Geography

West Virginia is located at 38°30'1"N 80°30'0"W (38.5003800, -80.5000900). It has 5 neighbors: Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

West Virginia map

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The largest city of West Virginia is Charleston with a population of 45,879. Other cities include, Huntington population 44,934, Morgantown population 30,847, Parkersburg population 29,009 and Wheeling population 26,283. See all West Virginia cities & populated places.

Largest Cities in West Virginia (more)

Cities, Towns, Villages, Neighborhoods & Other Populated Places in West Virginia.

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People born in West Virginia, including racecar driver Duke Dinsmore, rock climber Royal Robbins, economist James Duesenberry, .

List

• Gustavus Simmons (American cryptographer) he was born in 27/10/1930
• Jeanne Hines (American writer) she was born in 01/01/1922
• Wilber Pan (Taiwanese-American singer, actor and entrepreneur) he was born in 06/08/1980
• Frederick Mosteller (American statistician) he was born in 24/12/1916
• Jack Gregg (American musician) he was born in 01/01/1938
• Henry Swearingen (American politician (1792-1849)) he was born in 01/01/1792
• JT LeRoy (literary persona adopted by writer Laura Albert) he was born in 31/10/1980
• Janie Haddad Tompkins (American actress) she was born in 01/01/2000
• John Peale Bishop (American writer) he was born in 21/05/1892
• Wylie Draper (American actor (1969-1993)) he was born in 05/05/1969
• Leonard Barr (American actor and comedian (1903-1980)) he was born in 27/09/1903
• Fred Smith (American Musician) he was born in 13/09/1949
• Charlie Manuel (American baseball player and coach) he was born in 04/01/1944
• Dick Justice (American musician) he was born in 01/01/1906
• Frank Sampedro (American musician) he was born in 25/02/1949
• Henry W. Bigler he was born in 28/08/1815
• Richard Ellington (American writer and screenwriter) he was born in 21/05/1914
• Thomas Benjamin Fitzpatrick (Naval officer) he was born in 01/01/1896