Free Vector map of the state of West Virginia, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
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Free Vector map of the state of West Virginia, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
West Virginia, located in the Appalachian region of the United States, is known for its rugged terrain, rich coal heritage, and scenic natural landscapes. It is often referred to as the “Mountain State” due to its position entirely within the Appalachian Mountains. Below is a detailed geographic description of West Virginia:
General Location
- Region: Appalachian region of the Eastern United States.
- Coordinates: Approximately 38°N latitude and 80°W longitude.
- Borders:
- North: Pennsylvania and Maryland.
- East: Maryland and Virginia.
- South: Virginia and Kentucky.
- West: Kentucky and Ohio.
Size and Area
- Total Area: 24,230 square miles (41st largest state).
- Land Area: 24,038 square miles.
- Water Area: 192 square miles.
- Population: Approximately 1.77 million (as of 2023).
Major Geographic Features
1. Mountain Ranges
- Entirely situated in the Appalachian Mountains, with significant subranges:
- Allegheny Mountains: Run through the eastern part of the state, forming the highest elevations.
- Blue Ridge Mountains: Touch the easternmost part of the state near Harpers Ferry.
- Appalachian Plateau: Covers much of the state, with steep ridges and deep valleys.
- Spruce Knob: The highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet.
2. Plateaus and Valleys
- Appalachian Plateau: Dominates the western part of the state with dissected plateaus and coal-rich areas.
- Shenandoah Valley: A small portion in the eastern panhandle near Harpers Ferry.
3. Rivers
- Ohio River: Forms the western boundary, a critical waterway for transportation and commerce.
- Kanawha River: A major tributary that flows through Charleston, the state capital.
- Potomac River: Flows along the eastern panhandle and marks part of the border with Maryland.
- New River: One of the oldest rivers in the world, running through the New River Gorge.
- Other notable rivers: Monongahela River, Greenbrier River, and Guyandotte River.
4. Lakes and Reservoirs
- Mostly artificial reservoirs:
- Summersville Lake: The largest lake in the state, located on the Gauley River.
- Bluestone Lake: Formed by the Bluestone Dam.
- Stonewall Jackson Lake: A popular spot for fishing and boating.
Climate
- Type: Humid subtropical and humid continental, depending on elevation.
- Seasons:
- Winters: Cold, with significant snowfall in the higher elevations.
- Summers: Warm and humid, particularly in the lower elevations.
- Precipitation: Well-distributed throughout the year, averaging 40-60 inches annually.
- Microclimates: The state’s rugged terrain creates localized climatic variations, with cooler conditions in the mountains.
Natural Regions
- Eastern Panhandle:
- Geographically connected to the Shenandoah Valley and the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
- Includes Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet.
- Allegheny Highlands:
- Includes the highest elevations, such as Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods Wilderness.
- Known for its dense forests, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.
- Western Plateau:
- Covers most of the state’s western half.
- Characterized by rolling hills, coal deposits, and the Ohio River Valley.
- New River Gorge:
- Features dramatic cliffs and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, a major destination for rafting and rock climbing.
Flora and Fauna
- Forests:
- Covers approximately 78% of the state, primarily deciduous forests.
- Dominant trees include oak, hickory, maple, and spruce.
- Home to the Monongahela National Forest, a vast protected area in the Allegheny Mountains.
- Wildlife:
- Mammals: Black bears, white-tailed deer, and bobcats.
- Birds: Bald eagles, woodpeckers, and migratory species.
- Fish: Trout, bass, and catfish are abundant in rivers and streams.
Natural Resources
- Coal: West Virginia is a leading coal producer, particularly in the southern part of the state.
- Natural Gas: Significant reserves, especially in the Marcellus Shale formation.
- Timber: A key resource due to the state’s extensive forest coverage.
- Limestone and Sandstone: Extracted for construction and industrial uses.
Major Urban Areas
- Charleston:
- The state capital and largest city.
- Located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers.
- A center for government, commerce, and cultural activities.
- Huntington:
- A major city on the Ohio River, near the Kentucky border.
- Known for Marshall University and its industrial base.
- Morgantown:
- Home to West Virginia University, the state’s flagship educational institution.
- A growing hub for healthcare and technology.
- Wheeling:
- Located in the northern panhandle on the Ohio River.
- Rich in industrial history and known for the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge.
- Martinsburg:
- Located in the Eastern Panhandle, part of the growing Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Transportation Geography
- Highways:
- Interstate 64, 77, and 79: Major routes connecting West Virginia to surrounding states.
- U.S. Route 50: A scenic cross-state route.
- Rail:
- Historically vital for coal transportation, with Amtrak and freight services still operating.
- Airports:
- Yeager Airport in Charleston serves as the main commercial hub.
- Waterways:
- The Ohio and Kanawha Rivers remain important for commerce and recreation.
Recreational and Cultural Attractions
- National Parks and Scenic Areas:
- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Monongahela National Forest: Offers hiking, camping, and stunning landscapes.
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: Rich in Civil War history and natural beauty.
- Outdoor Activities:
- Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking in areas like the New River Gorge.
- Hunting and fishing in the abundant forests and waterways.
- Skiing in winter at resorts like Snowshoe Mountain.
- Cultural Heritage:
- Coal mining history preserved in museums and historic sites.
- Traditional Appalachian music and crafts are celebrated in festivals.
- Landmarks:
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Offers historic train rides.
- Greenbrier Resort: A luxury resort with historic significance.
Historical Context
- Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee.
- Became part of Virginia during colonial times.
- Separated from Virginia during the Civil War to join the Union, becoming a state in 1863.
- Known for its pivotal role in coal mining and labor movements.
Author: Kirill Shrayber, Ph.D.