West Virginia

West Virginia is an Appalachian state in the eastern United States, entirely mountainous and known for its coal-mining heritage and rugged scenery. Its capital and largest city is Charleston. Nicknamed the Mountain State, it is the only state formed by seceding from another during the Civil War.

West Virginia lies wholly within the Appalachian Mountains, a land of forested ridges, deep river gorges and winding valleys, including the New River Gorge, one of the country's newest national parks. The climate is humid continental, cooler at elevation.

West Virginia culture is rooted in Appalachian traditions of folk music, crafts and close-knit communities, shaped by the history of coal mining. Outdoor recreation such as whitewater rafting, hiking and rock climbing is increasingly central.

West Virginia broke away from Virginia when that state seceded from the Union, and it was admitted as the 35th state in 1863 during the Civil War. Its history has been dominated by the coal industry and the struggles of its mining communities.

This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.