West Virginia, the 35th state admitted to the US in 1863, is bordered by Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio, with Charleston as its capital in West Virginia Map. The highest state east of the Mississippi River, it is referred to as the Mountain State and has an average elevation of almost 1,500 feet. Originally part of Virginia, West Virginians opposed secession in 1861, leading to its statehood. Despite its rich coal deposits, which have made it a top producer of bituminous coal, the state faces lower personal incomes and economic development compared to national averages. You can also find many Tourist Attractions In West Virginia which can be visited by the tourists. The rugged terrain has historically isolated communities, prompting many residents to migrate for better job opportunities since World War II.
West Virginia Map
West Virginia, whose capital is Charleston, was the 35th state to be admitted to the Union in 1863. Since World War II, most of West Virginia’s population has migrated to regions that provide enhanced employment prospects. There are many counties in the State which you can briefly check in West Virginia Map. A brief change in this pattern occurred in the 1970s, which coincided with the energy crisis and the ensuing coal boom of that decade. However, beginning in the 1980s, a wave of urban professionals and retirees, especially in the eastern panhandle, helped to somewhat offset the population drop in major industry and coal-producing districts. West Virginians have responded to these demographic shifts by concentrating on improving telecommunications and education, among other projects, to create a more modern social and economic climate in the state.
West Virginia Map With Cities
| About | West Virginia Map With Cities |
| Country | USA |
| State | West Virginia |
| Capital | Charleston |
| Population (as of 2024) | 1,770,071 est. |
| Known For | Mountain State |
| Governor | Jim Justice (Republican) |
| US Senators | Shelley Moore Capito (Republican) and Joseph Manchin (Democrat) |
| Admitted to the Union On | June 20, 1863 |
| Category | Maps |
Capital City Of West Virginia
West Virginia’s main city and capital, Charleston, is situated where the Elk and Kanawha rivers converge. Its population was 48,864 at the time of the 2020 census and is projected to reach 46,838 in 2023. In 2023, 203,164 people were living in the metropolitan area. Charleston was formally incorporated in 1794 after being founded as Fort Morris by William Morris in 1773. Before switching to coal, its early economy was based on the production of salt and natural gas. These days, trade, utilities, government, healthcare, and education are important areas.
What Are The Tourist Attractions In West Virginia?
Following are some of the best Tourist Attractions In West Virginia.
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: At the meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park showcases the past of a community from the 19th century. Known for its involvement in the Civil War, the park is home to iconic sites such as the emblem of resistance, and John Brown’s Fort.
- Blackwater Falls State Park: Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and biodiversity, highlighted by the iconic Blackwater Falls, especially stunning in autumn. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails and wooden walkways for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation, with species like deer and black bears.
- The New River Gorge Bridge: The New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia is an impressive engineering marvel and a favourite spot for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. As one of the highest and longest arch bridges in the US, it offers stunning views of the gorge. Visitors can explore a centre with interactive exhibits about the bridge’s history and the local environment, as well as a museum showcasing the area’s coal mining heritage.
- Lost World Caverns: Lost World Caverns is a beautiful commercial cave that is ideal for adventurers and nature enthusiasts, and it is situated in the embrace of nature. Both thrill-seekers and casual tourists can enjoy a variety of adventures there.
- Chief Logan State Park: Chief Logan State Park is a popular holiday destination, especially for its annual “Christmas in the Park” event. This enchanting light display turns the park into a winter wonderland with festive decorations and a unique drive-thru experience, allowing visitors to enjoy themed scenes from their vehicles.
West Virginia Cities 2025
There are 226 cities and municipalities in West Virginia that have been incorporated. These are a few of biggest West Virginia Cities 2025:
1. Charleston
2. Huntington
3. Morgantown
4. Parkersburg
5. Wheeling
Population Composition Of West Virginia
- German settlers established the first community in what is now West Virginia at Shepherdstown along the Potomac River. The 1790 census recorded about 15,000 of the 55,873 residents in western Virginia as German.
- In the early 1800s, the Virginia government communicated with frontier inhabitants in both German and English. English settlements were primarily in the Greenbrier, New, Kanawha, and Monongahela valleys, while remote areas were mainly settled by Scottish immigrants.
- Although there were some individuals of African descent, the number of enslaved people was low due to difficult terrain, with only Jefferson and Kanawha counties reporting over 2,000 enslaved individuals.
- After the Civil War, railroads and industrial growth attracted labourers from Southern and Eastern Europe and African Americans from the South, shaping the culture of the northern panhandle and coal mining communities.
- Today, West Virginia’s majority population is white, with African Americans as the largest minority, followed by smaller groups of Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American individuals.
FAQs On West Virginia Map
West Virginia, with a total population of roughly 1,793,716 people, is the 12th least populous state in the union.
Harpers Ferry is West Virginia’s most visited city.
