West Virginia Info
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Capital
City: Charleston
Economy: Mining, agriculture,
tourism and manufacturing.
Language Description:
English.
Passport/Visa U.S.: Canadians
need to show proof of citizenship accompanied by a photo ID (we recommend
a passport). Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier
prior to departure.
Population: 1,808,344
Religion:
Christian (Protestant, Roman Catholic), Jewish
Time Zone: 5 hours behind
Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from
the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October
Voltage Requirements:
110 volts
West Virginia's
Flag: A white field is bordered in dark blue. West
Virginia's flag displays a rock containing the date June 20, 1863,
the day West Virginia became a state. The two men represent farming
and mining. Below them are two rifles with a "Liberty Cap"
on top the rifles. A banner ribbon includes the state motto "
Mountainiers Are Always Free". Around the picture are a wreath
of rhododendren and the name of the state on a red ribbon. From 50states.com
History
of West Virginia: West Virginia's early history from
1609 until 1863 is largely shared with Virginia, of which it was a
part until Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. Then the delegates
of 40 western counties formed their own government, which was granted
statehood in 1863. First permanent settlement dates from 1731 when
Morgan Morgan founded Mill Creek. In 1742 coal was discovered on the
Coal River, an event that would be of great significance in determining
West Virginia's future. The state usually ranks third in total coal
production with about 15% of the U.S. total. It also is a leader in
steel, glass, aluminum, and chemical manufactures; natural gas; oil;
quarry products; and hardwood lumber. Major cash farm products are
poultry and eggs, dairy products, apples, and feed crops. Nearly 75%
of West Virginia is covered with forests. Tourism is increasingly
popular in mountainous West Virginia and visitors spent $2.475 billion
in 1990. More than a million acres have been set aside in 35 state
parks and recreation areas and in 9 state forests and national forests.
Major points of interest include Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge
National River, The Greenbrier and Berkeley Springs resorts, the scenic
railroad at Cass, and the historic homes in the Eastern Panhandle.
Copyright ? Information Please, a Division of Family Education Company.
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Other West Virginia Links:
West Virginia
Chamber of Commerce
West Virginia Department of Education
West Virginia Division of
Tourism
West Virginia Library Commission
West Virginia Municipal
League
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