West Virginia

West Virginia is a state of the United States, known as The Mountain State, and is considered part of the South. West Virginia broke away from Virginia during the American Civil War. The state is famous for coal mines in general, and the mine wars in particular.

There are many places to visit in the state, including the New River Gorge Bridge (Tall enough that people can parachute off it if they're careful), and many national and state parks. It is also home to the Green Bank Radioastronomy Center[?].

USS West Virginia was named in honor of this state.

History

West Virginia is rather unique among American states owing to the circumstances of its creation. Originally the western part of the state of Virginia, there was considerable dissatisfaction over the control of the state by planters in the plains. Upon the outbreak of the American Civil War and the seccession of Virginia from the union, the western counties of the state in turn seceded from Virginia on April 27, 1861. Representatives of these western counties formed a reformed government for Virginia which was based in Alexandria, Virginia. This reformed government authorized the creation of the state of West Virginia which was admitted to the union in 1863 following Abraham Lincoln's signing of an act on December 31, 1862 that authorized this.

Law and Government

The capital is Charleston, in the south west area of the state.

The legislature is bicameral, consisting of the House of Delegates and a Senate.

The govenor is elected every four years, on the same day as the president, sworn in during January.

Geography

See: List of West Virginia counties

It is bordered by Pennsylvania and Maryland to the north, by Ohio and Kentucky to the west, and by Virginia to the east. The Ohio River and the Potomac River form parts of the boundaries.

Demographics

The population as of 2000 is 1,808,344.

Education

Colleges and Universities

Professional Sports Teams The Minor League Baseball Teams are:

Miscellaneous Information

• State colors: Blue and Gold
• State bird: Cardinal
• State flower: Rhododendron

External Links

• http://www.state.wv.us
• Ohio Valley Roads (http://www.cahaltech.com/~roads)