What is West Virginia Known For? 4 Things West Virginians Love About Themselves

No matter which part of the U.S. you come from, there are always unique points of pride for local residents. Some states are famous for their major iconic cities, National Parks, or important monuments from moments in history. However, even the parts of the country without those things still have attributes that residents love about their home state. In this article, we will discover four things that West Virginians love about themselves and living in this particular part of the country. Let’s go!

1. West Virginians Love Outdoor Activities

West Virginians and visitors alike love the ample opportunities for outdoor adventure in this Appalachian state. If it is one thing West Virginia is known for, it is its hiking, scenic mountain views, miles of trails for mountain biking or running, dramatic caves, rock outcroppings that are ideal for free climbing, and rushing rivers perfect for white water rafting.

In fact, West Virginia is home to incredible natural landscapes. Look no further than those of New River Gorge National Park or the many state and local parks. The 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, which crosses the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia, includes miles of footpaths in West Virginia. However, hiking the Appalachian Trail (also known as the “AT”) is just one of the many ways to enjoy the beauty of West Virginia. Others love seeing the scenic gorges of Gauley River, which offers adventurous white water boating. History buffs will enjoy following the West Virginia part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. This long path includes a section in West Virginia, which follows the routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803 to 1806. No matter your interest or outdoor activity of choice, West Virginia likely has something for you to do.

2. West Virginia Has Abundant Natural Resources

Going back to the mid-1800s, the mining of natural resources such as coal has been an important part of West Virginia’s economy and society. In recent decades, mining in West Virginia has declined with the push to use cleaner, more efficient, and less environmentally damaging energy resources. As a result, the economy and labor markets of West Virginia have changed too. This has radically impacted the lives of miners and their families. However, West Virginia still remains one of the largest producers of coal in the United States. As many as 9.2% of West Virginians report either current or former employment in the coal mining industry (2020).

There is evidence showing that those who work in coal mining have worse self-reported health than those who do not. Certainly, coal mining has been shown to have detrimental impacts on the environment. However, for better or for worse, mining has shaped the culture and industry of West Virginia. It helped power the Industrial Revolution and the development of the entire United States.

In addition to this, West Virginia has other abundant natural resources, such as oil, natural gas, and natural salt deposits.

3. West Virginia is Completely within the Appalachian Mountain Range

As mentioned earlier, outdoor adventure lovers can enjoy West Virginia’s natural beauty by hiking the Appalachian Trail, which goes from Maine to George. However, did you know that West Virginia is the only state that sits entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range? In fact, the state’s geography is defined by these mountains and West Virginia is at the heart of “rural Appalachian” culture. This fact inspired West Virginia’s apt nickname: the Mountain State. Yet in addition to giving West Virginia a unique nickname, being situated entirely in the Appalachian Mountains also helps to explain the state’s unique cultural history.

“Appalachian culture” is typically used to describe a way of life that developed in states such as West Virginia when people from Scotland and Ireland immigrated to the U.S. and moved to rural, mountain areas that were isolated from the rest of U.S. culture but still inhabited by Native American peoples. Appalachian culture developed with its own folk traditions, music, food, arts, and values. Many Appalachian communities highly prioritize family ties, faithfulness to cultural tradition, and separation from the broader American life. West Virginians in remote Appalachian communities often value self-sufficiency, respect, and kinship (family) ties as pillars of their social life.

4. West Virginia Is One of the Most-Forested States

West Virginians may mention to you that their state has some of the most significant forest coverage of any state in the U.S. In fact, it is currently the third most-forested and is known for having large amounts of timber and protected woodland areas. Forests cover about four out of every five acres in West Virginia and help to supply about 2.5% of all timberland in the country. As a result, West Virginia’s forests also have a vital role in the state’s economy and broader ecological systems.

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