About: West Virginia
The capital of West Virginia is Charleston. West Virginia was a part of the state of Virginia until the Civil War, when Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. 40 delegates, centered in northwestern Virginian counties, opposed secession and formed their own government. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is known for its mountains and diverse topography, its history of logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor past. Coal was discovered in the late nineteenth century, fueling much of the US Industrial Revolution. As West Virginia became more and more intertwined in the coal industry, there was considerable labor strife as working conditions, safety issues and economic concerns arose. Even today the, mining safety and ecological concerns are still challenging the state, where coal is integral. The official state rock is bituminous coal.
Population: 1808344
Area: 52,419 sq mi (ranks 30th)
Governor: Earl Ray Tomblay
Largest cities: Charleston