West Virginia
The earliest days of the United States are the source of West Virginia’s significance in American history.
From Daniel Boone’s frontier days and the nation’s first significant land combat of the American Civil War to the railroad boom and the coal-mining industry, the “Mountain State” has much to offer both history enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. Visit historical sites spread across the state to take a trip back in time while you take in West Virginia’s natural beauty.
Must-See Attraction: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
A superbly preserved slice of American history may be seen at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which is located at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers in the states of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. This is the location of John Brown’s attempt in 1859 to spark a slave uprising, which was one of the catalysts for the American Civil War, which broke out less than two years later. Magnificent hiking paths and charming bridges transport you to intriguing historical locations from as far back as 1782, while living history workshops let you master skills from the 19th century like metalworking and traditional baking.
Taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through historic Harpers Ferry
National Coal Heritage Area: The Mountains’ American Industrial Heritage
The history of West Virginia is inextricably linked to its prominence in the coal mining sector, which predominated from the early 1800s until 1950. Old industrial towns can be seen by travelers along the 300-kilometer Coal Trail in the southern part of the state, which was established in 1996 as part of an official effort to protect former mining sites. The Tamarack Visitor Center in Beckley, which offers regional cuisine and handicrafts from the Appalachians, the Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley, where you can tour an abandoned underground mining shaft with veteran coal miners, and the Hatfields and McCoys Feud Tour, a self-guided driving tour that narrates the story of the most well-known feuding clans in the USA during the American Civil War, are all must-see locations.
The historic Hatfield Cemetery near Sarah Ann in Logan County
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Visit an Old Logging Town
Deep in the trees of the Monongahela National Forest, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park recalls the days of steam locomotives and turn-of-the-century logging towns. Take a self-guided walking tour and pick up a souvenir at the old Company Store, which also houses the local history museum and The Last Run Restaurant. Ride a restored steam engine through the lush forest to a re-created logging camp and views of the Cheat River. The company houses that once provided lodging to loggers have been repurposed into cottages for overnight stays. Reserve one in advance for the complete experience.
Fall motorcycle ride at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
