West Virginia : Mountaineers Are Always Free

West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian region of the Eastern United States. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Allegheny Plateau, and the New River Gorge.

West Virginia was originally part of Virginia, but it became a separate state in 1863 during the American Civil War. The main reason for this was the state’s differences in both economy and culture from the rest of Virginia. While much of Virginia was dependent on slavery and agriculture, West Virginia was primarily a center for industry, particularly coal mining.

The state’s economy is still largely dependent on coal, although there has been a shift towards natural gas in recent years. In addition to energy production, West Virginia is also home to several major industries, including timber, tourism, and pharmaceuticals.

West Virginia is home to a number of historical sites, including the West Virginia State Capitol Building and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The state is also home to several colleges and universities, including West Virginia University, which is located in the city of Morgantown.

West Virginia is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, and white water rafting. The New River Gorge National River is a popular destination for these activities, and it is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

West Virginia is a state with a rich history and a diverse economy. Its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities make it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.

Racism has long been a significant issue in West Virginia, as it has in many other states throughout the United States. The state has a history of racial discrimination and segregation, which has had a lasting impact on the lives of Black West Virginians.

One of the earliest examples of racism in West Virginia occurred during the state’s founding in 1863. At the time, West Virginia was created by separating from Virginia during the American Civil War. Many of the leaders of the new state were slaveholders and supporters of the Confederacy, and they opposed the abolition of slavery. As a result, the state constitution included a provision that prohibited Black people from voting, which was not overturned until the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Black West Virginians faced significant barriers to equality and opportunity. They were often denied access to education, employment, and housing, and they were subjected to segregation and discrimination in many areas of life.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the civil rights movement brought about significant changes in West Virginia and the rest of the country. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped to end legal segregation and discrimination, and they paved the way for greater equality and opportunity for Black Americans.

Despite these important changes, racism has continued to be a problem in West Virginia. Black West Virginians still face significant disparities in areas such as education, income, and health, and they are often the targets of racial discrimination and prejudice.

One example of this is the ongoing issue of environmental racism in the state. For many years, West Virginia’s coal industry has disproportionately impacted Black communities, exposing them to polluted air and water, and contributing to higher rates of respiratory and other health problems.

There are also ongoing concerns about racial profiling and police violence in the state. Black West Virginians are often unfairly targeted by law enforcement, and they are disproportionately represented in the state’s criminal justice system.

Overall, racism is a significant issue in West Virginia that requires ongoing attention and efforts to address. It is important for all West Virginians to stand up against racism and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

SUNDOWN TOWNS IN WEST VIRGINIA

Sundown town, in U.S. history, is a town that excluded nonwhite people—most frequently African Americans—from remaining in town after sunset.

Here is a current list of sundown towns in West Virginia. This list has been created by Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS. This list is a work in progress. Some cities have been confirmed as sundown towns and some are listed for other or similar reasons.

Arthurdale

Belington

Chester

Davy

Eleanor

Follansbee

Kenova

Keystone

Lincoln County

Marlinton

Marmet

McMechen

Milton

New Martinsville

Nitro

Oak Hill

Shannondale

St. Marys