West Virginia is a state in the
Appalachia / Upland South region of the United States. West
Virginia broke away from Virginia during the American Civil War
and was admitted to the Union as a separate state on June 20,
1863 (an anniversary now celebrated as West Virginia Day in the
state). It is the only state formed as a direct result of the
American Civil War. It is the only state to form by seceding
from a pre-existing state.
West Virginia is one of the Border States. The Census Bureau
considers West Virginia part of the South because most of the
state is below the Mason-Dixon Line, though its northern
panhandle extends adjacent to Pennsylvania and Ohio with Weirton
on a parallel with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The unique position
of West Virginia means that it is included in a wide variety of
geographical regions (though often only marginally), such as the
Upper South, the Upland South, the Southeastern United States,
the Southern United States, the Mid-Atlantic, Appalachia and
even the Midwestern United States and Northeastern United
States. While West Virginians recognize that their state is part
of Appalachia, many do not welcome the term for purposes of
self-identification. WVU Social and Cultural Study The state's
Northern Panhandle, and North-Central region feel an affinity
for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Also, those in the Eastern
Panhandle feel a connection with the Washington, D.C. suburbs in
Maryland and Virginia, and southern West Virginians often
consider themselves Southerners. Finally, the towns and farms
along the mid-Ohio River have an appearance and culture somewhat
resembling the Midwest, see: An Introduction to West Virginia's
Ethnic Communities. The capital and largest city is Charleston.
The state is noted for its great natural beauty, its
historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and
its labor history. It is also well known as a tourist
destination for those people interested in outdoor activities
such as skiing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing,
hiking, and hunting.
