2. 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.

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

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

5. 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.

6. West Virginia’s state song is “West Virginia Hills” See next slide:

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

11. 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

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