West Virginia

The Mountain States capital is located in Charleston, and the state has a land area of 24,231 square miles. West Virginia's highest point is Spruce Knob at 4,863 feet and its lowest point is on the Potomac River at 240 feet. West Virginia's early history from 1609 until 1863 is largely shared with Virginia, of which it was a part until Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. The delegates of the 40 western counties who opposed secession formed their own government, which was granted statehood in 1863. Tourism is increasingly popular in mountainous West Virginia. More than a million acres have been set aside in 37 state parks and recreation areas and in 9 state forests and 2 national forests. Major points of interest include Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge National River, The Greenbrier and Berkeley Springs resorts, the scenic railroad at Cass, and the historic homes in the Eastern Panhandle. The name West Virginia refers to the state's formation from part of the W area of Virginia. It is known as the Mountain State.

Resorts List