1. West Virginia State History

2. Originally the State of Virginia… The original state of Virginia was separated by a range of mountains. The north and west had little in common with the wealthy planters and large slave owners of the east and south. The original state of Virginia was separated by a range of mountains. The north and west had little in common with the wealthy planters and large slave owners of the east and south.

3. The early history of West Virginia is shared largely with the state of Virginia… COAL a mineral asset that would figure significantly West Virginia's history, was discovered in 1742. (In the northern and western portions of Virginia) COAL a mineral asset that would figure significantly West Virginia's history, was discovered in 1742. (In the northern and western portions of Virginia) Other important natural resources are oil, natural gas, and hardwood forests, which cover about 75% of the state's area. Other important natural resources are oil, natural gas, and hardwood forests, which cover about 75% of the state's area.

4. Congress finally gave consent to the addition of a new state… On June 20, 1863- West Virginia was separated from the rest of Virginia and declared its own State. On June 20, 1863- West Virginia was separated from the rest of Virginia and declared its own State. Making West Virginia the 35th United State Making West Virginia the 35th United State http://www.usgennet.org/usa/wv/state/wv_info.html

5. Change of Capitals- At this time the capital of West Virginia was named Wheeling. At this time the capital of West Virginia was named Wheeling. In 1884, the capital was changed to Charleston. In 1884, the capital was changed to Charleston.

6. Today the state ranks second in total coal production. And accounts for 15% of the total coal produced in the nation And accounts for 15% of the total coal produced in the nation It is also a leader in steel, glass, hardwood lumber, aluminum, and chemical manufactures. It is also a leader in steel, glass, hardwood lumber, aluminum, and chemical manufactures..

7. Other Facts About the State: West Virginias nickname is ‘The Mountain State’ West Virginias nickname is ‘The Mountain State’ The states motto is “Mountaineers are always free!” The states motto is “Mountaineers are always free!”

8. The State Flag The flag was adopted in 1929. State Flag: More about the WV state flagMore about the WV state flag

9. January 23 1903… The states flower was declared the Big Laurel. The states flower was declared the Big Laurel.

10. In 1949 Legislation decided the state tree for West Virginia would be the Sugar Maple

11. Also in 1949… The state bird was decided to be the Cardinal

12. The Official West Virginia State Seal The state seal of West Virginia, is a symbol of the authority and sovereignty of the state and the importance of its people. The state seal of West Virginia, is a symbol of the authority and sovereignty of the state and the importance of its people.