West Virginia became a state following the Wheeling
Conventions, breaking away from Virginia during the American Civil War. The
new state was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, and was a key Civil
War border state. West Virginia was the only state to form by seceding from
a Confederate state, and was one of only two states formed during the
American Civil War (the other one being Nevada, which separated from Utah
Territory).
The state is noted for its mountains and diverse
topography, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries,
and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic
areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving, and
scientific research. The karst lands contribute to much of the state's cool
trout waters. It is also known for a wide range of outdoor recreational
opportunities, including skiing, whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking,
mountain biking, and hunting.