More than just Battlefields
West Virginia is located in the east of the USA and is part of the southern states. West Virginia is predominantly shaped by the mountain ranges of the North American Appalachian Mountains. Therefore, the state of the USA is also referred to as ” The Mountain State “. Charleston is the capital of West Virginia with a population of approximately 48,000 in 2019. Before the US Civil War, Virginia and West Virginia were not yet divided. About 1.8 million people lived in the state of West Virginia in 2019. Due to the mineral resources in the mountainous regions of the country, mining plays a major role there.
- Medicinelearners: Offers a full list of top medical schools and their profiles in West Virginia.
West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston with statue of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson
Away from the industrial complexes, West Virginia has a beautiful, green landscape with lakes and rivers. West Virginia also has a lot to offer culturally and historically. The reason is the American Civil War in the years 1861-1865.
The Battlefields of West Virginia
West Virginia and Virginia were one state until the American Civil War (1861-1865). West Virginia broke away from present-day Virginia during the Civil War. Major battles took place in West Virginia during the American Wars, such as the Battle of Point Pleasant. The historic battles of the American Civil War are re-enacted today.
Hiking through green landscapes
Parks and forests administered by the state of West Virginia cover an area of 180,000 hectares. Over seventy species of mammals were counted, as well as 150 species of fish and many species of birds. The Allegheny Mountains are great for hiking and bird watching. The Coal Heritage Trail in West Virginia is a historic hiking trail. Monongahela National Forest and Historic Valley Falls State Park are great for hiking. Walk along historic paths along the George Washington Heritage Trail. A popular bike route through West Virginia is the Tea Creek Mountain Trail.
Small farm in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia
Some of the highlights
Very old Native American burial mounds can be found in West Virginia. The Blair Mountains are home to Native American historical sites. Fairmont is home to a replica fort, Prickett Fort. Impressive waterfalls, Cathedral Falls, can be found near Beckley. There is a wildlife sanctuary on the Gauley River; White water rafting is available on the Gauley River. The Cheat River is good for whitewater rafting. The Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia are a popular area for many recreational activities. A highlight of the country is the famous ” New River Gorge “, which can only be reached by water.
Historic wooden bridges worth seeing
A navigable wooden bridge near Morgantown is the Dent’s Run Covered Bridge, built in 1889. Another wooden bridge worth seeing is the Bents Run Covered Bridge, built in 1889. The Herns Mill Covered Bridge dates from 1884 and the Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge from Year 1889. The New River Gorge Bridge near Beckly is a one kilometer long arch bridge.
Popular photo opportunity – grist mill on a torrent in West Virginia
Interesting churches and the Capitol
Two beautiful churches in West Virginia are the 1833 Tygarts Vally Presbyterian Church at Elkins and the 1796 Old Stone Presbyterian Church in White Sulfur Springs. The West Virginia State Capitol Complex, a gold- domed capitol building, is located in the capital, Charleston.
Fishing grounds in West Virginia
Stonecoal Lake and Stonewall Jackson Lake are great for fishing, as is Sutton Lake. The Greenbrier River is good for fishing, as well as for whitewater rafting. There is also fishing at Kanawha Falls. The Cranberry River is great for fishing, as is the Elk River. Fishing, white water rafting and kayaking are available on the New River. Hiking and rock climbing is popular on the cliffs of the New River Gorge. The gorge “New River Gorge” is about 300 meters deep.
West Virginia attractions
Largest Cities in West Virginia
- Charleston
- Huntington
- Parkersburg
- Morgan town
- Wheeling
See Countryaah for more cities in the state of West Virginia.
Map of West Virginia – USA
The map of West Virginia, near the east coast of the United States. West Virginia is one of the southern states. The map shows the neighboring states, the country’s largest cities, the rivers and lakes as well as the courses of the highways and the most important roads in West Virginia. The area of West Virginia is 62,755 km².