Latin for "Mountaineers are always free."
Adopted 1863.
West Virginia is a stunningly mountainous state in the Appalachian region, celebrated for its rugged natural geography and outdoor heritage. As one of the most forested U.S. states, it is a major producer of coal and natural gas, while increasingly becoming a premier destination for hiking, whitewater rafting, and eco-tourism today.
West Virginia officially joined the Union on June 20, 1863, as the 35th state, becoming the only state to form by seceding from a Confederate state during the Civil War. Its history is deeply rooted in the struggles and industrial rise of the coal industry, which shaped its political landscape and the character of its resilient communities.
Charleston
Population: ~48,000The state capital and largest city, located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, serving as a hub for government, commerce, and industry.
Huntington
Population: ~46,000A vibrant Ohio River port city and home to Marshall University, known for its historic downtown and its role as a regional center for healthcare.
Morgantown
Population: ~30,000Home to West Virginia University, this energetic college town is a major driver of the state's technology and education sectors.
Parkersburg
Population: ~29,000A historic river city with a rich oil and gas heritage, serving as a gateway to the state's northern chemical and manufacturing corridor.
Wheeling
Population: ~26,000The state's first capital, known for its Victorian architecture and its legacy as a major industrial transportation hub along the Ohio River.
Region: South
- West Virginia is the **only state** positioned entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range, earning it the nickname "Mountain State."
- The **First Mother's Day** service was held at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton in 1908.
- The state's **New River Gorge Bridge** was the highest bridge in the world for many years and is the site of the annual Bridge Day festival.