West Virginia State
History
Originally the State of Virginia…

The original state of Virginia was separated by a
range of mountains. The north and west had
little in common with the wealthy planters and
large slave owners of the east and south.
The early history of West Virginia is
shared largely with the state of
Virginia…
COAL a mineral asset that would figure
significantly West Virginia's history, was
discovered in 1742. (In the northern and
western portions of Virginia)
Other important natural resources are oil, natural
gas, and hardwood forests, which cover about
75% of the state's area.
Congress finally gave consent to the
addition of a new state…
On June 20, 1863- West Virginia was
separated from the rest of Virginia and
declared its own State.
 Making West Virginia the 35th United
State

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/wv/state/wv_info.html
Change of Capitals-


At this time the capital of West Virginia was
named Wheeling.
In 1884, the capital was changed to Charleston.
Today the state ranks second in total
coal production.

And accounts for 15% of the total coal
produced in the nation

It is also a leader in steel, glass, hardwood
lumber, aluminum, and chemical manufactures.
.
Other Facts About the State:
West Virginias nickname is ‘The Mountain
State’
The states motto is “Mountaineers are always
free!”
The State Flag
The flag was adopted in 1929.
State Flag: More about the WV state flag
January 23 1903…

The states flower was declared the Big Laurel.
In 1949 Legislation decided the state
tree for West Virginia would be the
Sugar Maple
Also in 1949…
The state bird was decided to be the Cardinal
The Official West Virginia State Seal
The state seal of West Virginia, is a symbol of
the authority and sovereignty of the state and
the importance of its people.