West+Virginia

West Virginia

Senators: JLUBELL F8 (D), MBURGER D3 (I)

Representatives: AKASUNIC D6 (I)

1. West Virginia is the only state in the Union to have acquired its sovereignty by proclamation of the President of the United States. (MBurger) 2. The first major land battle fought between Union and Confederate soldiers in the Civil War was the Battle of Philippi on June 3, 1861. The battle was held in Philippi, Virginia, which is now West Virginia. There were very few casualties and losses, and it is not treated as a significant battle. 3. Motto is "Montani Semper Liberi", which stands for "Mountaineers Are Always Free". (MBurger) 4. The WV flag has a rock on it with the date June 20th, 1863. This is the date that it became a state. (MBurger)

(MBurger)

-Manufacturing has contributed more to the gross state product than any other industry since the latter part of the 20th century. Some of the most important manufactured goods include agriculteral and industral chemicals, primary and fabricated metals, glassware, and prefabricated buildings. (JLubell) -The community, business and personal services group accounts for the largest share of gross product in the services industry. These services are provided by private health care, law firms, repair shops and hotels. Tourist activities such as skiing and white-water rafting bring millions of dollars into the state. A growing information technology sector also contributes to this service group. (JLubell) - There are 7,000 employees at Unitied Health System. (JLubell)

-Today, the state ranks second in total coal production, with about 15% of the U.S. total. It is also a leader in steel, glass, aluminum, and chemical manufactures. Major agricultural commodities are poultry and eggs, dairy products, and apples.(JLubell)

[|West Virginia Pictures](JLubell)


 * 1.** The first state sales tax in the United States went into effect in West Virginia on July 1, 1921. (AKASUNIC)


 * 2.** The New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville is the second highest steel arch bridge in the United States. The bridge is also the longest steel arch bridge (1,700 feet) in the world. Every October on Bridge Day, the road is closed and individuals parachute and bungee cord jump 876 feet off the bridge. Its West Virginia's largest single day event and attracts about 100,000 people each year. (AKASUNIC)


 * 3.** One of the nation's oldest and largest Indian burial grounds is located in Moundsville. Its 69 feet high, 900 feet in circumference, and 50 feet high. An inscribed stone was removed from the vault and is on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. (AKASUNIC)


 * 4.** Some famous individuals from West Virginia include: Pearl Buck (author), Peter Marshall (television host), Chuck Yeager (test pilot /Air Force General), Don Knotts (actor), Mary Lou Retton (Olympic gold medallist for gymnastics), and Kathy Mattea (country music singer). (AKASUNIC)


 * 5.** Mrs. Minnie Buckingham Harper, a member of the House of Delegates by appointment in 1928, was the first African American woman to become a member of a legislative body in the United States. (AKASUNIC)