West Virginia –mountainous landscapes

West Virginia –mountainous landscapes

What to know?

Located in the south eastern part of the United States of America guarded by the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is considered one of the most remote locations from the United States being also known as “the mountain state” . West Virginia covers an area of approximately 24 000 square miles and it is inhabited by approximately 1.85 million people. West Virginia’s economy is mainly focused on coal industry, producing 15% of the United State’s total coal production. Companies like Walmart, West Virginia United Health System, Kroger, Consolidation Coal Company or Charleston Area Medical Center are some of the largest employers in West Virginia. Situated at the confluence of Kanawha and Elk rivers, Charleston, the capital of West Virginia and the largest city of the state, is a true urban garden due its three main public parks: Cato Park, Kanawha State Forest and Coonskin Park. Among other major cities of West Virginia are Huntington, Parkersburg, Morgantown and Wheeling.

Where to go?

In Charleston, Kanawha State Forest is a wonderful place to go for recreational and outdoors activities: like biking, walking or just camping. You can go shopping at Charleston Town Center and make a tour of the 130 stores opened there. Dance and music are feasted yearly in Charleston by West Virginia Dance Festival and Symphony Sunday. If your dream is to pursue a medical career, you may consider joining West Virginia University.

Huntington is the second largest city in West Virginia. Located along Ohio River, Huntington is famous for having the first electric railroad infrastructure in the world connecting Huntington to Guyandotte. Lately it became well known to food enthusiasts for hosting the TV show Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.

Parkersburg is the third largest city in West Virginia. It is known for being the location of Blennerhassett Island, a historical park hosting a fairytale Irish mansion. It is also the birthplace of film director Morgan Spurlock, director of the successful documentary Super Size Me.

Did you know?

West Virginia’s state animal is The Black Bear, or Ursus americanus, praised by the indigenous Americans as the creation of the Great Spirit in contrast with Grizzly bear, thought as being the creation of the Evil Spirit.

West Virginia’s state bird is the Cardinal. Seed eating birds, the Cardinal males have a beautiful red scarlet color contrasting with their females which lack the vivid red color. Once the male finds a female companionship, they often travel together.

West Virginia’s state flower is the Rhododendron catawbiense, a dense shrub reaching around 3 meters in height and producing pale pink or white flowers. It usually springs in May, around the Mother’s Day firstly celebrated in 1907 in Grafton, West Virginia

West Virginia’s state tree is the sugar maple. Its wood is one of the densest and hardest. It is the source of the maple syrup and maple sugar produced from tree sap.

West Virginia’s state bird is the honeybee. Beekeepers Association of West Virginia is a local association promoting and supporting the honey production all around the state.