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Get ready to celebrate the beautiful state of West Virginia on June 20 for National West Virginia Day! This day commemorates the founding of the state in 1863 and celebrates all things that make West Virginia unique. Did you know that West Virginia is home to the world's largest sycamore tree, as well as the oldest population in the country? It's also known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals. So let's raise a glass to this wonderful state and all it has to offer on National West Virginia Day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1861</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Statehood Vote</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the ongoing Civil War, delegates from the western counties of Virginia hold a convention to vote on creating a new state.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of West Virginia</div><div class='timeline-text'>On June 20, West Virginia is admitted as the 35th state, officially separating from Virginia during the Civil War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1939</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Goldenseal Magazine Publication</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first issue of Goldenseal Magazine was published, becoming a leading resource on West Virginia history, life, and culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Country Roads" Adoption</div><div class='timeline-text'>"Take Me Home, Country Roads", a popular John Denver song that references West Virginia, is adopted as one of the state's official songs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National West Virginia Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National West Virginia Day is officially recognized and established as a holiday celebrated annually on June 20.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Observatory Designation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia, housing the world's largest steerable radio telescope, was designated as a National Historic Landmark.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore the great outdoors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>West Virginia is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Take advantage of National West Virginia Day by going on a hike, camping trip, or whitewater rafting adventure.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many towns in West Virginia have annual festivals celebrating the state's culture and heritage. Attend one of these festivals to experience traditional food, music, and crafts.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit historical sites</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>West Virginia has a rich history, from the Civil War to the coal mining industry. Take a tour of a historical site or museum to learn more about the state's past.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional West Virginia cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>No celebration is complete without food! Try some classic West Virginia dishes such as pepperoni rolls, biscuits and gravy, or ramp soup.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear your state pride</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your love for West Virginia by wearing clothing or accessories with the state's flag or iconic symbols, such as the black bear or the New River Gorge Bridge.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates the history and culture of West Virginia</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National West Virginia Day is a day to honor and appreciate the rich history, culture, and traditions of the state. From its breathtaking natural beauty to its unique Appalachian heritage, West Virginia has a lot to offer and this holiday gives us the opportunity to celebrate it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A chance to try delicious Appalachian cuisine</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>West Virginia is known for its mouth-watering Appalachian cuisine, which is a fusion of traditional English, Scottish, Irish, German, and Native American dishes. On National West Virginia Day, we can indulge in some scrumptious food like pepperoni rolls and trout cakes while honoring the state's culinary traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Showcases the community spirit of the people</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Residents of West Virginia are known for their strong sense of community and tight-knit relationships. Celebrating National West Virginia Day is a way to honor and appreciate the admirable qualities of its people, including their friendliness, generosity, and resilience.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>West Virginia is the Only State Entirely Within the Appalachian Region</h3><p class='facts-content'>West Virginia is unique as it lies completely within the Appalachian Mountain region, giving it the nickname "The Mountain State". Its rugged topography has strongly influenced its historical development and its economy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>West Virginia's Underground Coal Fires</h3><p class='facts-content'>Several underground coal fires have been burning in West Virginia for years. One of the most notable is the one in Mount Carbon that started in 1916 and is still burning, showcasing the rich coal resources the state possesses.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>West Virginia and Glass Marbles</h3><p class='facts-content'>The world's largest producer of glass marbles, Marble King, is located in Paden City, West Virginia. The factory still produces more than one million marbles per day, a testament to the state's manufacturing history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>West Virginia is Home to a Monarch Butterfly Waystation</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Monarch Butterfly Waystation at West Virginia State University is designed to create an ideal habitat for Monarch butterflies on their annual migration, highlighting the state's commitment to conservation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Birthplace of Mother's Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>West Virginia is known as the birthplace of Mother's Day, recognized by the state in 1910 before becoming a national holiday in 1914. This enduring tradition initiated by a local woman strengthens the state's cultural significance.</p></div></div>
National West Virginia Day is celebrated on June 20 every year. In 2024 National West Virginia Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Jun 20
Tuesday
2024
Jun 20
Thursday
2025
Jun 20
Friday
2026
Jun 20
Saturday
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