West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

Population: 1,808,344

Entered the Union: June 20, 1863

As the: 35th state

Motto: Montani semper liberi (Mountaineers are always free)

Nickname: Mountain State

Origin of Name: Like Virginia: in honor of Elizabeth, Virgin Queen of England

Top Industries: Coal mining, chemical manufacturing, and commerce and service activities

Historical Sites: Historic homes in the Eastern Panhandle area of the state.

Points of Interest: Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge National River; the Greenbrier and Berkeley Springs resorts, and the Cass scenic railroad.