Overview of West Virginia
West Virginia shares borders with Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. Originally part of Virginia, West Virginia became a separate state in 1863. The state is located in the Appalachian region and consists of four main geographical regions: the Ohio River Valley, the Allegheny Plateau, the Allegheny Highlands, and the Potomac Section.
Key Information about West Virginia
- Settlements began in 1774
- In 2008, a tartan was designed with state symbol colors
- The capital and largest city is Charleston
- Key industries include mining, chemical production, and timbering
- West Virginia University’s mascot is the Mountaineers
- The state has a population of 1.8 million
Economic Challenges and Development Efforts
West Virginia is mostly rural and mountainous, known for its forests, rivers, and hiking trails. It struggles economically compared to other states but continues to work on revitalizing its economy and highlighting its natural beauty. The state’s highest point is Spruce Knob, and its lowest is Harper’s Ferry, making it cheaper than the US average to live in.