West Virginia State Symbols, Facts & Info
The United States of America accepted West Virginia as the 35th state to enter the union. Below, you will find the official state symbols and interesting facts about West Virginia.
State Name: West Virginia
Abbreviation: WV
Capital of West Virginia State: Charleston
Date of Statehood: June 20, 1863
West Virginia State Population: 1,816,856 (US Census 2005 estimate)
Primary Agriculture: West Virginia farm products are poultry and eggs, dairy products, apples, and feed crops. Seventyfive percent of West Virginia is covered with forests.
Primary Industry: West Virginia ranks third in total coal production with 15% of the U.S. total. It also is a leader in steel, glass, aluminum, and chemical manufactures; natural gas; oil; quarry products; and hardwood lumber.
West Virginia State Nickname: The Mountain State
West Virginia State Motto: Montani Semper Liberi (Mountaineers are always free.)
West Virginia State Flower:
Big Laurel (Rhododendron maximum)(Legislation of 1903)
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West Virginia State Tree: Sugar Maple (Legislation of 1949)
West Virginia State Bird:
Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)(Legislation of 1949)
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West Virginia State Fish: Brook Trout (Legislation of 1973)
West Virginia State Insect: Honey Bee (Legislation of 2002)
West Virginia State Gemstone: Chalcedony (Legislation of 1990)
Official State Seal:
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Official State Flag:
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State Commemorative Quarter:
From the 1999-2008 United States Mint 50 State Quarters® Program
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West Virginia State Postage Stamp:
From the 2002 United States Postal Service Greetings from America series.
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West Virginia State License Plate:
Photo under license from collector Jim Moini ©2011.
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