West Virginia Facts for Kids
West Virginia was the 35th state to join the union. It became a state on June 20, 1863.
Capital - Charleston
Abbreviation - WV
Nickname - Mountain State
Motto - "Montani semper liberi" - Mountaineers are always free
Insect - Western Honey Bee
Song - West Virginia My Home, The West Virginia Hills, This Is My West Virginia
Bird - Cardinal
Flower - Rhododendron
Area - approximately 24,231 square miles
Learn more about West Virginia
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry witnessed the first successful application of interchangeable manufacture, the arrival of the first successful American railroad, John Brown's attack on slavery, the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War, and the education of formerly enslaved people in one of the earliest integrated schools in the United States. Explore that history in-depth through the articles on this site. The NPS also provides lesson plans for learning about John Brown and the Battle of Harper's Ferry. Curriculum is for grades 3-12.
West Virginia Mine Wars
"While many know that the coal from West Virginia powered the industrial revolution and helped to make America the most powerful economic force in the world, very few people know of the struggle that took place in these mountains, in this place, and the rights that miners fought for between 1900 and 1921. From the Paint Creek & Cabin Creek Strikes (1911-12) to the Battle of Blair Mountain (1921)—the largest armed insurrection in U.S. history outside the Civil War—the West Virginia Mine Wars are a collection of rich, historical treasures tucked away in these mountains." The WV Mine Wars Museum offers lesson plans with primary and secondary sources for grades 4-11. Topics include Company Towns, Immigration and Migration, Unions, and the Battle of Blair Mountain.
MH3WV: West Virginia Studies
MH3WV is a non-profit collaborative effort to compile resources for studying WV history, culture, economy, and much more. This site is not just an aggregation of links. It's a well-organized, indexed, and searchable collection.
History of Native Americans in West Virginia
A series of articles chronicling the story of Native Americans in WV from pre-history through the Revolutionary War.
West Virginia Archives and History Online Exhibits
Topics include women's suffrage in WV, a history of WV's statehood process, African Americans in West Virginia, and Buffalo Creek, one of the deadliest floods in U.S. history. Exhibits use photographs, letters, and other primary sources.
The West Virginia Encyclopedia
Offers free lesson plans, and interactive maps and quizzes. Lesson plans are available for eighth grade and elementary students, and use resources found on the site. You can use the lesson plans and most of the site without an account. With a free account you or your students can build a portfolio and access other features.
West Virginia State Museum
Dozens of K-12 lesson plans for teaching WV history and civics.
The 50 States - West Virginia
From TeachersFirst. A comprehensive resource on West Virginia
Mr. Donn.org - West Virginia
Collection of West Virginia resources from Mr. Donn, who offers one of the largest collections of social studies resources available.
West Virginia Primary Sources (Library of Congress)
Selected Library of Congress primary sources with a Teacher's Guide
50 States.com - West Virginia
Facts & Trivia about West Virginia
RoadsideAmerica.com - West Virginia
Unique tourist attractions and landmarks in West Virginia
Awesome America - West Virginia
Loads of fun facts, photos, and travel information about West Virginia.
