Nickname: Mountain State and Switzerland of America (for its
mountains), Panhandle State (for its shape)
Origin of Name: Named in honor of Elizabeth I, Virgin Queen of England.
Capital: Motto: Montani semper liberi--Mountaineers are always free West
Virginia State Seal Bird: Fish: Brook
Trout Flower: Rhododendron maximum, or "big laurel" Fruit: Golden Delicious Apple Gemstone: West Virginia fossil coral Insect: Mammal: Black Bear Song: West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home; The West Virginia
Hills; and This is My West Virginia. Tree: Sugar
Maple
Things to Know
West Virginia is the second-largest producing state in the country.
West Virginia has long been famous for its
West Virginia was a part of Virginia until that state seceded from
the United States in 1861; delegates from 50 counties formed their
own government, and statehood was granted them two years later in 1863.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, John Brown,
"Stonewall" Jackson, and Frederick Douglas are just a few
of the prominent individuals who left their mark on this place.
The New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent.
Famous West Virginian's
Confederate General, born in Clarksburg.
1984 Olympic Gold Medal winner in gymnastics is from Fairmont.
Black educational leader and the first president of Tuskegee
Institute, raised in Malden.
Brigadier General , U.S.A.F Retired
First person to fly faster than the speed of sound, was born in Myra.
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