With a surplus of natural beauty to enjoy from mountains, hills, rivers to tranquil countryside, residents of West Virginia find many reasons to call the Mountain State their home. Housing costs are very affordable at 21% below the national average.
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The crude mountains and the Shawnee Indians kept early exploration of the area at bay until 1716 when Governor Alexander Spotswood of Virginia led an expedition to find the area’s western lands. This opened the door for others to follow. The first permanent resident is said to have been Morgan Morgan, who settled near Charles Town. With the news of the first settler and the possibilities of the land led George II of England to grant 500,000 acres of land to the Ohio Company in 1749. This directly resulted in the French and Indian War, which the British won.
After the British victory, six Indian tribes sold their land and the rest continued violent resistance. Chief Cornstalk rallied the Indian nations but were defeated by the Virginia militia at the Battle of Point Pleasant, which is said to be the first battle of the Revolutionary War. Incited by the British, the Shawanee harassed settlements along the frontiers throughout the Revolutionary period. The last battle of the War was fought on September 11, 1782 when Fort Henry repulsed a British and Indian attack.
The Virginia territory began separating into the eastern and western portions because the inhabitants grew in different directions. The Mississippi grew the trade corridor in the west while the Atlantic coast was the primary trade route for the east. The eastern region also received greater legislative voice due to the abundance of slaves. There were practically no slaves in the west and the rancor grew when the west need improvements to roads and schools. Talks of separation began in earnest. The Civil War broke out and the west did not side with secession and broke apart and formed West Virginia. After the war, the main focus of the state was improvements to schools and railroads. Workers rights became issues and continue to be today.
West Virginia’s industrial foundation are built on rail, water and highway transportation, abundant natural resources and power generated from coal and natural gas. Some of the largest steel mills in the country are located in the state. Agriculture plays a large part in the state’s economy. The largest cash crops are hay, apples, corn, tobacco, potatoes, and buckwheat. Livestock is even more important than agriculture with the bluegrass region housing most of the largest dairy and beef cattle areas in the state. West Virginia produces fifteen percent of the nations coal. It ranks tenth in natural gas production crude oil is generally found in the central counties.
The statewide sales tax is 6 percent. Cities and counties may impose a lodgings tax of up to 3 percent.
Tourism is West Virginia’s newest and a booming industry. With abundant national parks and forests along with hot springs. White Sulphur Springs, distinguished by the Greenbrier hotel has been a pleasure resort for more than two centuries. Warm weather activities include boating, fishing, white-water rafting, camping and hiking. The winter brings skiing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing.
