Welcome to West Virginia, a place full of beautiful mountains and interesting history! Let’s explore what makes this state so special, from its location to its fun outdoor activities and important symbols.
West Virginia is in the Appalachian region of the United States. It is surrounded by five other states:
Knowing where West Virginia is on the map can help you understand why it’s such a unique place to visit or learn about.
West Virginia is called the Mountain State because of its many mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains. Some of these mountains are over 4,000 feet high! This makes West Virginia a great place for people who love the outdoors.
There are lots of fun things to do in West Virginia’s mountains, such as:
West Virginia also has six national parks that protect its natural beauty and wildlife.
The flag of West Virginia is white with a blue border and has the state coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms shows a miner and a farmer, representing the state’s important industries of coal mining and farming.
On the coat of arms, there’s a boulder with the date June 20, 1863. This is when West Virginia became the 35th state of the United States. It’s a special date for the people who live there.
Charleston is the capital and largest city of West Virginia. It’s in the southwestern part of the state and is a great place to visit with museums, parks, and historical sites.
The Northern Cardinal is West Virginia’s state bird. It’s known for its bright red color and cheerful song.
The Northern Cardinal is also the state bird for six other states, making it a popular symbol in the U.S.
West Virginia is a wonderful place with its tall mountains, rich history, and lively culture. Whether you’re exploring its natural beauty or learning about its past, the Mountain State has something special for everyone!
Map Exploration: Create a simple map of the United States and highlight West Virginia and its neighboring states. Use colored pencils or markers to color each state a different color. Discuss with a friend or family member why West Virginia’s location might make it a unique place to visit. What do you think people might enjoy doing there?
Nature Walk and Journal: Go on a nature walk in your local area. Bring a notebook and draw or write about any birds you see. Try to spot a bird that might be similar to the Northern Cardinal. What colors do you see? How does the bird behave? Share your findings with your class or family.
Design Your Own State Flag: Imagine you are creating a flag for your own state or community. Think about what symbols or images you would include to represent important things about where you live. Draw your flag and explain why you chose each symbol. How does it compare to the flag of West Virginia?
