Whether you want some West Virginia fun facts to use for a project or you want to impress people with your knowledge of the Mountain State, we’ve put together some facts about West Virginia that cover everything from weird laws to natural wonder to strange history.
West Virginia has plenty of history, natural views, and beautiful towns, and these interesting facts about West Virginia are a real tribute to all of the fun West Virginia facts to be found (we could have kept going, but kept it to the 51 best ones!).
Keep reading for weird facts about West Virginia, amazing facts about West Virginia, cool facts about West Virginia, and plenty of fun West Virginia facts to keep you guessing (or help you put together an awesome West Virginia trivia quiz!)
West Virginia Fun Facts
1. West Virginia is located in the Appalachian region of the United States.
2. It became a state on June 20, 1863, during the Civil War, making it the 35th state in the United States.
3. The state’s nickname is the “Mountain State.”
4. The capital and largest city of West Virginia is Charleston.
5. West Virginia is the only state that lies entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range.
6. The state is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and scenic rivers.
7. West Virginia is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world.
8. It is the third most forested state in the United States, with more than 75% of its land covered by forests.
9. West Virginia University is the largest university in the state and is known for its successful college football program.=
10. The state’s official flower is the Rhododendron.
Interesting Facts about West Virginia
11. West Virginia is famous for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and fishing.
12. The state has a rich coal mining heritage and was once one of the leading coal-producing states in the country.
13. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia marks the site of John Brown’s raid, a significant event leading up to the American Civil War.
14. The state’s official bird is the cardinal.
15. West Virginia is home to the Green Bank Observatory, one of the world’s leading radio astronomy observatories.
16. The state is known for its traditional Appalachian music, including bluegrass and country music.
17. West Virginia is the birthplace of the first Mother’s Day, which was celebrated in Grafton on May 10, 1908.
18. The state is famous for its pepperoni rolls, a popular local snack consisting of a soft roll filled with pepperoni.
19. The Appalachian Trail, one of the longest hiking trails in the world, passes through West Virginia.
20. The state’s official tree is the sugar maple.
Weird Facts about West Virginia
21. West Virginia is home to several ski resorts, offering winter sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
22. West Virginia’s statehood was a result of the secession of several counties from Virginia during the Civil War.
23. The state’s official animal is the black bear.
24. The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, has hosted numerous presidents and is famous for its luxury accommodations and golf courses.
25. West Virginia has the highest average elevation of any state east of the Mississippi River.
26. The state’s official butterfly is the monarch butterfly.
27. The West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville is known for its paranormal activity and offers ghost tours to visitors.
28. West Virginia is home to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, which operates the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope.
29. The state’s official fruit is the Golden Delicious apple.
30. The West Virginia State Museum, located in the state capital of Charleston, showcases the history and culture of the region.
31. West Virginia is known for its colorful fall foliage, attracting visitors from across the country.
32. The state’s official fish is the brook trout.
Random Facts about West Virginia
33. The Seneca Caverns in Riverton, West Virginia, offer guided tours of underground caves and formations.
34. West Virginia has the longest steel-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, the New River Gorge Bridge.
35. The state’s official reptile is the timber rattlesnake.
36. The West Virginia Strawberry Festival, held annually in Buckhannon, celebrates the state’s strawberry harvest with parades, pageants, and carnival rides.
37. West Virginia is home to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where visitors can explore a historic coal mine and learn about the region’s mining history.
38. The state’s official gem is the silicified Mississippian fossil coral Lithostrotionella.
39. West Virginia is known for its strong sense of community and hospitality, often referred to as “West Virginia Nice.”
40. The state’s official fossil is the Jefferson’s ground sloth.
41. West Virginia is home to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, a historic mental institution that offers tours and ghost hunts.
42. The state’s official soil is Monongahela silt loam.
Amazing Facts about West Virginia
43. The Greenbrier Classic, a PGA Tour golf tournament, is held annually at The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia.
44. West Virginia is home to several natural hot springs, including the Berkeley Springs, known for their healing properties.
45. The state’s official dance is the square dance.
46. West Virginia is the largest producer of coal east of the Mississippi River.
47. The state’s official insect is the honeybee.
48. The West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek showcases native wildlife species and offers educational programs.
49. The state’s official gemstone is the chalcedony.
50. West Virginia is home to the world’s largest sycamore tree, known as the “Casselman Sycamore,” located in Preston County.
51. The state’s official soil is Monongahela silt loam.
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