The early history of West Virginia is largely shared with the state of Virginia, of which it was a part until Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. While the Adena “Mound Builder” settlements first appeared in the area in 3000 B.C., the first permanent English Colony was established in Jamestown in 1607. Morgan Morgan founded West Virginia’s first permanent settlement at Mill Creek in 1731. Coal was discovered in 1742. But the most significant event to shape the state of West Virginia was the Civil War. Not wanting Virginia to secede from the Union over the slavery issue, West Virginians voted against leaving the Union and formed the “Restored Government,” which pledged its support to the federal government in Washington. John Brown’s raiders hit the arsenal at Harpers Ferry, stealing weapons to arm the slaves. By 1863, however, President Lincoln and Congress had passed a bill to form the state of West Virginia and West Virginia became the only state to be designated by Presidential Proclamation.

Once the Civil War ended, West Virginians could concentrate on rebuilding their economy. Coal mining became the state’s number one export product, dependent upon the formation of railroad hubs throughout the state. From 1890 to 1921, West Virginians fought a battle over the unionization of the coalfields. Workers and operators clashed, and often the law was called in to restrain picketing and striking; however, by 1920, with the assistance of “Mother” Mary Jones, an elderly union organizer, most of the mines were organized.

The state’s economic base grew and diversified from coal production to major cash farm products, such as poultry, eggs, dairy products, apples and fee crops. Tourism became a boom industry, especially in the southern mountains of West Virginia. There, broiling rivers offer the best whitewater rafting east of the Colorado River, and scenic hiking, biking and rock climbing abound. Other area attractions include Organ Cave near Ronceverte, the third largest cave in the U.S. and the largest in the state; Coal House in White Sulphur Springs, the only residence in the world built entirely of coal; and Moundsville, the site of the largest cone-shaped prehistoric burial mound. The Civil War Discovery Trail in West Virginia links more than 300 sites in 16 states to teach the history of the Civil War and its impact on America. It includes battlefields, historic homes, railroad stations, cemeteries and parks.

Famous West Virginians include William Tompkins, the first person in the U.S. to use natural gas for industrial purposes, Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Brigadier General Charles Yeager, former Secretary of State Cyrus R. Vance, former basketball star Jerry West, Olympian Mary Lou Retton, author Pearl S. Buck and golfer Sam Snead.

Whether it be a Civil War battle re-enactment or a nostalgic trip to historic towns, unique shops, galleries and quaint cafes, the beautiful state of West Virginia has it all.