Immortalized in the folksy lyrics penned by the late ’70s pop icon, John Denver, the Mountain State does lay claim to an amazing array of Country Roads, it’s true. (After all, the state boasts four National Scenic Byways and an All-American Road.) But located throughout the rugged mountains and raging rivers within her borders are a myriad of touring temptations designed to entice the most avid history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, collectors, food fanatics, shopping aficionados, train lovers and spa disciples; in short, her irresistible options appeal to even the most seasoned tour group!
Initially part of Virginia, West Virginia becme our 35th state in 1863 when Virginia seceded from the Union and joined forces with the Confederacy. Because West Virginia opted not to go along, it was able to gain its independence from Virginia and become a state in its own right.
Today, she is considered the northernmost southern state and the southernmost
northern state. Throughout her history, West Virginia has laid claim to a number of “firsts.” Included among them was “hosting” the first battles of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, implementing the first state sales tax in 1921, and
being home to the first electric railroad in the world (built between Huntingdon and Guyandotte) and one of the world’s first suspension bridges (built in Wheeling in 1849).
West Virginia gave us the first rural free mail delivery system, the first open-to-the-public spa (1756) as well as the first brick street ever laid in the world (in Charleston in 1870).
By Melinda Hughey
Courtesy of leisuregrouptravel.com
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