National West Virginia Day
We began honoring each state in the order they were born in the union, beginning with Hawaii and ending with Hawaii on Independence Day. We've chosen a small piece of each state's past, foods, and the people who make up the state. There's so much more to discover, but we can't help but celebrate our beautiful country even more.
When Virginia voted to leave the Union, Western Virginians remained faithful to their Union allegiances, wrote their own constitution, and petitioned Congress for statehood. West Virginia, the 35th state, was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863. During the Civil War, it was the only state born from another state and one of two established during the Civil War.
The North meets South at Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry is ripe with abolition movements and Civil War History, from John Brown's rebellion to Stonewall Jackson's Confederate victory...
The mountain state
West Virginia is dominated by three majestic mountain ridges, also known as The Mountain State. Over the state's total area, the Allegheny, Appalachian, and the Blue Ridge Mountains also provide the state with seventy-eight percent forest over its total area. West Virginia is the country's largest producer of coal east of the Mississippi River due to the rugged mountains and soaring amounts of bituminous coal stores.
Not only do the West Virginia hills provide spectacular views and jobs, but their natural setting provides access to small, isolated populations with deep roots. In the thym of a banjo or the lyrics of a gospel chorus, their culture and heritage can be heard infused. In addition, it influences the warm earthy flavors of their cuisine and inspires artisans to masterpieces.
In West Virginia, life is moving at a slower pace. Timing doesn't exactly stand still, but if you'll sit down and listen to some of the folk tales, you might learn about John Henry and Big Ben Mountain. Someone could take you mushroom hunting, or they could fry up a few and share with you what they found that morning. Not many people are keen to give up their favorite hunting spots, but not many are able to give up their current hunting spots.
You could be invited to the largest festival in West Virginia, Bridge Day. On the third Saturday of October, it takes place at New River Gorge Bridge in New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge was completed on October 22, 1977, and it is the western hemisphere's longest steel arch bridge.
How to celebrate #nationalwestvirginiaday in the giniaday
- Explore her stunning beauty and the 35th state's music, poetry, and art
- Tell your stories of living in and visiting West Virginia
- Make a West Virginia history, scenic, or restaurant bucket list What's on your list?
- Need assistance deciding what to do? Read 9 Beautiful West Virginia Destinations to Visit
- To post on social media, use #NationalWestVirginiaDay
