Unit Study Supplement: West Virginia, U.S. 35th State

How did West Virginia get its name? What is it known for? What happened in the state throughout its history? Find the answers to these and other questions in our West Virginia unit study supplement!

At first, it was going to be called “Kanawha” in honor of a Native American tribe living in the area; however, instead officials decided to capture the state’s history as being part of Virginia (until the Civil War) by naming it “West Virginia.” You may know that Virginia was named after the nickname of Queen Elizabeth I, who was known as the Virgin Queen.

West Virginia’s nickname of The Mountain State arose because it is the only state completely within a mountain region, that of the Appalachian Mountains.

Want to learn even more interesting facts about West Virginia? Keep reading to learn more historical facts about West Virginia, through a West Virginia history timeline, geography facts and more. Time4Learning members can download our list of PreK-12 interactive activities that align with your study of West Virginia. Here are a few West Virginia facts for kids:

West Virginia Fast Facts

Became a State:	June 20, 1863
Order it Joined the Union:	35th state
State Capital:	Charleston
State Abbreviation:	WV
Border States:	Kentucky Maryland Ohio Pennsylvania Virginia
State Flag:
State Song:	“Take Me Home Country Roads”
State Flower:	Rhododendron
State Nickname:	The Mountain State
Notable West Virginians:	Brad Paisley, singer Chuck Yeager, first pilot to break the sound barrier George Brett, baseball player Deron Williams, basketball player Michael W. Smith, singer Pearl S. Buck, author and civil rights activist Randy Moss, football player Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, Confederate general

West Virginia Historical Facts

Discoveries of spear points in West Virginia have dated the arrival of humans to be at least 10,500 years ago (some say about 14,000 years ago). Moundbuilders (500 BC to 100 AD), called the Adena, created earthworks that are still visible in Charleston and Moundsville. When European explorers arrived, they found several Native American people living in the area. These included the Cherokee, Iroquois, Occaneechi, Nottaway, Manahoac, Monacan, Tutelo, Meherrin, and Saponi tribes.

West Virginia began as a part of Virginia following the British arrival in the 1600s. Settlement of Virginia’s western frontier increased as a result of Virginia’s second charter and was further encouraged by Virginia’s Governor William Berkeley after 1660. In 1730, Virginia’s government, controlled by the British, offered families 1,000 acres each to settle in what is now West Virginia. This resulted in the taking over of Native American lands, so many tribes began to support the French against the British in the French and Indian War (1756-1763). Since England won, West Virginia remained a part of Virginia during the American Revolution (1775-1783) and beyond.

However, once the American Civil War broke, in 1861, western Virginia refused to secede from the Union with the rest of the state. Abolitionist activities, such as the raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, signaled some of the opinions of the time. During the raid on Harpers Ferry, the abolitionist John Brown had tried to gain weapons to jumpstart the fight against slavery. Although the raid failed, the intensity of the anti-slavery movement increased. West Virginia separated from Virginia in 1861 and entered the Union as a free state two years later, in 1863.

Let’s learn more interesting facts about the Mountain State using the West Virginia history timeline below. Learn the dates when these historical facts about West Virginia took place.

1671

Robert Fallam and Thomas Batts explored the Appalachian Mountains and discovered Kanawha Falls

1726

German settlers founded New Mecklenburg

1730

Virginia’s government offered free land to those who would settle in West Virginia

1731

Morgan Morgan, a Welsh immigrant, established a settlement on Mill Creek

1748

George Washington surveyed the area

1756

Beginning of the French and Indian War between the British and the French over lands including West Virginia

1762

Shepherdstown, the oldest town in West Virginia, was founded

1763

End of the French and Indian War with a British victory (West Virginia remained part of Virginia)

1859

Raid on Harpers Ferry, which increased the momentum of the anti-slavery movement

1861

Beginning of the American Civil War, with West Virginia refusing to secede the Union along with the rest of Virginia

1862

Voters approved a new state constitution under the leadership of Governor Francis H. Pierpont

1863

West Virginia became the 35th state in the US, under President Abraham Lincoln, with its capital at Wheeling

1870

Charleston became the capital of West Virginia

1875

Capital moved back to Wheeling

1885

Charleston became the capital once again

1908

Mother’s Day was first observed in Grafton at Andrews Church

1921

West Virginia became the first state to have a sales tax

1977

The New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel bridge in the western hemisphere, was built in Fayetteville (It is featured on the state quarter!)

Bring history and geography to life with Time4Learning’s interactive online social studies curriculum for grades 2-12.

West Virginia Geography Facts

Now that you’ve learned some West Virginia history facts, let’s check out the state’s geography.

Do you see the shape of West Virginia as a leaping frog hopping to its southwest corner? With a western border consisting of the Ohio River and an eastern border following the Appalachian Mountains, its shape is definitely unique.

Almost 75% of West Virginia is covered in forest (the third most forested state in the US). Trees consist of cedar ash, cucumber tree, hemlock, hickory, pitch pine, and red spruce, as well as red and white oak, sugar and red maple, beech, yellow poplar, basswood, yellow birch, black cherry, locust, elm, chestnut, and dogwood. Wildflowers also cover the state, including the Virginia strawberry, potato, buttonweed, and bluebell. Wild onions called ramps are also grown in the state and are very popular.

A large variety of animals inhabit West Virginia. There are over 70 kinds of mammals,about 300 species of birds and more

Discover West Virginia’s overall geography on this map of West Virginia. Then read through the following West Virginia geography facts. Print out the map of West Virginia provided below and add these items to the map.

Although somewhat up to interpretation due to its shape, West Virginia is bordered by Pennsylvania in the north, Virginia in the south, Ohio and Kentucky in the west, and Maryland and Virginia in the east.
The capital, Charleston, lies in the west-central part of the state.
The Ohio River forms much of West Virginia’s western border.
The Potomac River, including its north and south branches, flows into the northeastern part of Virginia.
The Greenbrier River follows close to the border along the southeastern edge of West Virginia.
The Big Sandy River forms part of the border with Kentucky.
Northeast of the Big Sandy River is the Guyandotte River, and the Kanawha and New Rivers are even further northeast. Did you know that the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in the world and flows south to north (unlike most rivers) as it was formed prior to any mountains?
The Elk River flows through central West Virginia.
The Cheat River is west of the Potomac in northern West Virginia.
Bluestone Lake is in the southeastern part of the state.
West Virginia’s highest point is Spruce Knob, at 4,861 feet above sea level, on the South Branch of the Potomac River near the border with Virginia.
The lowest point is the Potomac River, at 240 feet above sea level, near Harpers Ferry.

West Virginia State Map

Download our FREE West Virginia state map printable. Use it as a coloring page or use it to plot the state’s geographical features.

Download

Activities for Children in West Virginia

How else can you learn fun facts about West Virginia? Take a trip to the Mountain State! Homeschoolers in West Virginia might have it easier, but both locals and out-of-towners will want to know about the best educational places to visit. Here are a few ideas to help you learn some West Virginia state facts:

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park (Parkersburg): Take a sternwheeler riverboat to this small island on the Ohio River. Tour the Palladian mansion and museum. Learn about prehistoric weapons and jewelry and discover some odd items like a “burning glass.” Walk the grounds and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. Hike or bike the nature trails or try some fishing. Visit the gift shop where you will find crafts and fine art.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (Cass): Take a ride on the train to the overlook at Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia. The town of Cass was founded in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, and the railroad was used to haul lumber before its use as a tourist attraction.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (Harpers Ferry): Learn about life in the 1800s as you listen to tour guides and explore historic homes and buildings. See blacksmiths, dressmakers, and dairy farmers in action. The park participates in the “Every Kid in a Park” program providing fourth graders and their families with free admission. Also watch for scheduled fee free days throughout the year. While you are in Harpers Ferry, check out the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center to learn about the famous 2,200-mile trail.
Lost World Caverns (Lewisburg): Take a self-guided tour of the cavern that is 120 feet below the earth’s surface. See stalactites and stalagmites as you enjoy the constant 52-degree temperature inside. More adventurous types can take the “Wild Cave Tour,” guaranteed to get you muddy as you climb and crawl through the deepest, darkest parts of the cave. Visit the natural history museum to learn about the remains of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and prehistoric cave bear that were discovered in the cavern or try some gemstone mining.
Seneca Rocks (Elkins): Visit one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia and part of the Monongahela National Forest. The rocks are nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River and are popular with rock climbers. Learn about conservation efforts and military training that occurred on the northern half of the forest or learn about the various plants and the 230 bird species that inhabit the forest.

Looking for more things to do with your kids in West Virginia? Check out this post full of field trip ideas in West Virginia!

West Virginia Freebies and Deals for Homeschoolers

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, you can still learn more West Virginia facts and information by visiting some free or low-cost places in the state. Visit the state’s many fee-free state parks or check out some of these ideas:

Huntington Museum of Art (Huntington): Explore the collections of American, Asian, Caribbean, European, Inuit, and Near Eastern art. Visit the plant conservatory or hike the nature trails. A variety of classes and workshops are offered, and group tours can be arranged targeting particular learning goals like STEAM, “Kid Lit,” and integrated art. Tuesdays are free at the museum!
Museum of American Glass (Weston): Explore West Virginia’s rich glass heritage and learn about the people and processes involved. See thousands of products on display. If you cannot travel there, browse the online collection. Admission is free (though donations are accepted).
New River Gorge National River (Glen Jean): Visit one of the oldest rivers on the planet and over 70,000 acres alongside it. Admire a forest containing some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Witness the longest and deepest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains. Explore by biking, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, or whitewater rafting. Fish, hunt, picnic, or camp to enjoy the natural surroundings. For some cultural insight, take a look at the 1872 railroad tracks or the rail yards. See the ruins of an early coal mining town and remnants of subsistence farms, homesteads, and pioneer gravestones. Admission to the park is free.
West Virginia State Museum at the Culture Center (Charleston): Admission is always free for exploring the museum’s collections and exhibits. Take a self-guided tour or call ahead for a guided tour. Walk the Show-path through first-person accounts of West Virginia history and then explore the 26 Discovery Rooms to see art, artifacts, music, and film across the timeline. Visit the Changing Exhibits Gallery to see the infamous dressed fleas and other exhibits. Browse the Virtual Discovery Rooms and Teacher Resources even if you cannot visit the museum.
Wheeling Heritage Trail System (Wheeling): Walk or bike along more than 13 miles of the old railway tracks. Follow the eastern bank of the Ohio River and try to spot one of the barges still crossing one of the locks. Cross high above Wheeling Creek on the Hempfield Viaduct and then go through the 1904 Hempfield Tunnel. Find the five stations of outdoor fitness equipment. There is no cost to use Heritage Trail and appreciate the local history and modern industry while getting exercise!

West Virginia Learning Games for Children

Have you learned some interesting things about West Virginia? Test your knowledge of West Virginia facts for students with these free games and activities: