West Virginia State
Information
West Virginia State Symbols, Facts & Info
The United States of America accepted West Virginia as the 35th state to enter the union. Below, you will find the official state symbols and interesting facts about West Virginia.
State Name:
West Virginia
Abbreviation:
WV
Capital:
Charleston
Date of Statehood:
June 20, 1863
Population:
1,816,856 (US Census 2005 estimate)
Primary Agriculture:
West Virginia farm products are poultry and eggs, dairy products, apples, and feed crops. Seventyfive percent of West Virginia is covered with forests.
Primary Industry:
West Virginia ranks third in total coal production with 15% of the U.S. total. It also is a leader in steel, glass, aluminum, and chemical manufactures; natural gas; oil; quarry products; and hardwood lumber.
Nickname:
The Mountain State
Motto:
Montani Semper Liberi (Mountaineers are always free.)
Flower:
Big Laurel (Legislation of 1903)
Tree:
Sugar Maple (Legislation of 1949)
Bird:
Cardinal (Legislation of 1949)
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Fish:
Brook Trout (Legislation of 1973)
Insect:
Honey Bee (Legislation of 2002)
Gemstone:
Chalcedony (Legislation of 1990)
Official State Seal:
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Official State Flag:
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State Commemorative Quarter:
From the 1999-2008 United States Mint 50 State Quarters® Program
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State Postage Stamp:
From the 2002 United States Postal Service Greetings from America series.
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