West Virginia is a rugged mountain state nestled in the Appalachians, celebrated as the whitewater rafting capital of the eastern United States. Known as the Mountain State, it offers extraordinary outdoor adventure—class V rapids on the New and Gauley Rivers, hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, and some of the most spectacular fall foliage in North America. Historic coal-mining heritage, Appalachian culture, artisan crafts, and a thriving outdoor recreation economy make West Virginia a destination of authentic character and natural beauty.
West Virginia's history is defined by its dramatic 1863 separation from Virginia during the Civil War—making it the only state carved from a Confederate state. Settled by Scots-Irish and English immigrants who pushed into the Appalachian frontier in the 18th century, the region developed a rugged independent culture shaped by the mountains. The 19th century brought the Industrial Revolution: timber, coal, and natural gas extraction transformed communities and created violent labor conflicts including the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest armed labor uprising in US history after the Civil War. John Brown's 1859 raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry is considered a direct catalyst of the Civil War.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped West Virginia.
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1
Adena, Hopewell, and Fort Ancient Native peoples inhabit the region; Grave Creek Mound built circa 250 BCE by Adena culture
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2
Thomas Batts and Robert Fallam cross the Appalachian Mountains, becoming first Europeans to explore the region
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3
First permanent European settlement established near present-day Morgantown
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4
John Brown's Raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry—attempted to start a slave rebellion; Brown captured and hanged
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5
Virginia secedes from the Union; western Virginia counties vote to remain loyal to the Union
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6
West Virginia admitted to the Union as the 35th state on June 20, 1863—the only state formed during the Civil War
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7
Coal and timber booms transform the southern and eastern regions; company towns established throughout the coalfields
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8
Matewan Massacre: Sheriff Sid Hatfield and miners kill seven Baldwin-Felts agents in a gunfight; labor unrest escalates
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9
Battle of Blair Mountain: 10,000-15,000 armed miners march against Logan County authorities and mine guards; US Army and airplanes deployed to suppress uprising
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10
Great Depression devastates WV's coal and steel economy; New Deal programs bring infrastructure relief
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11
Automation and decline of coal employment leads to massive out-migration; WV population falls from 2M to under 1.8M
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12
New River Gorge National Park established, elevating WV's profile as an outdoor recreation destination
Historical eras
The chapters of West Virginia's past.
Historical sites
Places where West Virginia's past comes alive.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Where: Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County
Admission: Adult: $20 per vehicle (7-day pass); NPS Annual Pass accepted | Child: Free under 16
West Virginia State Museum
Where: Charleston
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
The Greenbrier Resort Bunker (Bunker Tour)
Where: White Sulphur Springs
Admission: Adult: $35 per person (USD); reserve via +1 855-453-4858 | Child: $18 (ages 10-17)
West Virginia Mine Wars Museum
Where: Matewan, Mingo County
Admission: Adult: $5 suggested donation (USD) | Child: Free
Wheeling Heritage Museum & Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Where: Wheeling
Admission: Adult: Bridge free; museum $5 (USD) | Child: Free
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Where: Cass, Pocahontas County
Admission: Adult: $29-45 (USD) depending on excursion | Child: $15-25 (USD)
Museums
Curated collections that tell West Virginia's story.
West Virginia State Museum
Hours: Tue-Sat 9 AM - 5 PM; Sun 12 PM - 5 PM; closed Monday
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
West Virginia Mine Wars Museum
Hours: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 5 PM; call ahead off-season
Admission: Adult: $5 suggested donation (USD) | Child: Free
The Children's Museum of the Old Dominion (Wheeling Heritage)
Admission: $8 USD adults
Moundsville Marshall County Courthouse & Grave Creek Mound
Admission: $6 USD adults; $3 USD children
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.