West Virginia

Ricky Cooks

West Virginia OutlineWest Virginia shape reminds me of an upside-down turkey. The peninsula north of the state is smaller than the one west of the state. West Virginia truly has a special shape.

Motto

West Virginia's motto is “Montani semper liberi”- Mountaineers are

always free.

Nickname

• West Virginia’s nickname is “The Mountain State”.

West Virginia FlagWest Virginia's flag displays a rock containing the date June 20, 1863, the day West Virginia became a state. The two men represent farming and mining. Below them are two rifles with a "Liberty Cap" on top the rifles. A banner ribbon includes the state motto "

Mountaineers Are Always Free". Around the picture are a wreath of rhododendron and the name of the

state on a red ribbon.

Capital of West VirginiaWest Virginia’s capital is Charleston. Charleston

is also the largest city in West Virginia.

West Virginia Capital Dome in CharlestonBusy bridge is Charleston

West Virginia’s Governor

Joe Manchin III, was born and raised in the small coal town of Farmington, West Virginia, where he

learned at a very young age the value of commitment—commitment not only to his family, but to his community and neighbors as well. From his grandfather, an immigrant from Italy and the

town grocer, he inherited a head for business, while from his grandmother, a virtual one-woman social services agency, he discovered his heart for people. After attending West Virginia University

on a football scholarship, Manchin became a successful businessman.

Born: August 24, 1947Party: Democrat

Joe has been Governor for two years, and was

elected in 2008.

License Plate

State SongWest Virginia’s state song is

“West Virginia Hills”

See next slide:

Oh, the West Virginia hills! How majestic and how grand,With their summits bathed in glory, Like our Prince Immanuel's Land!

Is it any wonder then, That my heart with rapture thrills,As I stand once more with loved ones On those West Virginia hills?

CHORUS:Oh, the hills, beautiful hills, How I love those West Virginia hills!

If o'er sea o'er land I roam, Still I'll think of happy home,And my friends among the West Virginia hills.

Oh, the West Virginia hills! Where my childhood hours were passed,Where I often wandered lonely, And the future tried to cast;Many are our visions bright, Which the future ne'er fulfills;

But how sunny were my daydreams On those West Virginia hills!CHORUS

Oh, the West Virginia hills! How unchanged they seem to stand,With their summits pointed skyward To the Great Almighty's Land!

Many changes I can see, Which my heart with sadness fills;But no changes can be noticed In those West Virginia hills.

CHORUS Oh, the West Virginia hills! I must bid you now adieu.

In my home beyond the mountains I shall ever dream of you;In the evening time of life, If my Father only wills,

I shall still behold the vision Of those West Virginia hills.

West Virginia Hills

State BirdWest Virginia’s state bird is the Cardinal. The Cardinal is an

omnivore, and both male and female sing.

State FlowerWest Virginia’s state flower is the Rhododendron.

Rhododendron is a large shrub or small

tree with several twisted stems.Rhododendron

leaves are alternate,

evergreen, simple, elliptical, 4-10 inches long.

Major RiversMajor rivers in West Virginia include the Ohio, Guyandotte, and

the Greenbrier rivers.

Alexander Campbell Mansion

The 24 Room House Of Alexander Campbell dates back to 1795. It was built by Campbell's father-in-law John Brown.

The pictured home above was built in stages. The finished structure was

completed in 1840.

The New River Gorge Bridge

The New River Gorge Bridge is a half hour drive from Beckley and is spliced by the New River in West Virginia.

In West Virginia history, before the New River Gorge Bridge was built, locals and visitors had to take a long and

winding forty minute detour up and down mountain roads just to get to the other side. Though the gorge was

breathtaking, it posed many tireless problems for efficient transportation. New River Bridge West Virginia

developers sparked construction of the bridge in 1974 and saw it through to completion by 1977. The New River Gorge Bridge is now the longest steel bridge with a single,

sweeping arch. It skyrockets almost 900 feet above the cool, frothy waters of New River. The magnificent creation

is also designated as America's second tallest.

West Virginia State Penitentiary

The penitentiary was built in 1866. In 1995 the prison closed because a judge ruled that the 5'X7' cells were considered cruel and unusual punishment. The first

execution was held at the prison in 1899. Between 1899-1949, 94 men total were put to death. Of those 94, 85

were hung, and between 1951-1959, 9 men were electrocuted. During one hanging, a man was

decapitated. The report stated that the 200 + pound man's neck was to "soft and spongy" to support his

weight. "Old Sparky" the electric chair was built by an inmate at the prison and now sits in a small museum at

the prison.

The West Virginia State Penitentiary sprawls across 11 acres. The prisoners built it, heavy rock by heavy rock, beginning in 1866.

Major Industries

Major industries in West Virginia include mining

(coal), livestock, chemical manufacturing, glass

products, and tourism.

UniversitiesMany universities in West Virginia include:

West Virginia University, the University of Charleston, and Huntington University.

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