West 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.

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

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

West 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.

West Virginia’s capital is Charleston. Charleston is also the largest city in West Virginia. West Virginia Capital Dome in Charleston Busy bridge is Charleston

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, 1947 Party: Democrat Joe has been Governor for two years, and was elected in 2008.

West 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’s state bird is the Cardinal. The Cardinal is an omnivore, and both male and female sing.

West 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 rivers in West Virginia include the Ohio, Guyandotte, and the Greenbrier rivers.

The 24 Room House Of Alexander Campbell dates back to 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 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 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.

The penitentiary was built in 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 Between , 94 men total were put to death. Of those 94, 85 were hung, and between , 9 men were electrocuted. During one hanging, a man was decapitated. The report stated that the 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 in West Virginia include mining (coal), livestock, chemical manufacturing, glass products, and tourism.

Many universities in West Virginia include: West Virginia University, the University of Charleston, and Huntington University.