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West Virginia's early history from 1609 until
1863 is largely shared with Virginia, of which it was a part
until Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. The delegates of
the 40 western counties who opposed secession formed their own
government, which was granted statehood in 1863.
In 1731 Morgan Morgan established the first permanent white
settlement on Mill Creek in present-day Berkeley County. Coal, a
mineral asset that would figure significantly in West Virginia's
history, was discovered in 1742. Other important natural
resources are oil, natural gas, and hardwood forests, which
cover about 75% of the state's area.
The state's rapid industrial expansion began in the 1870s,
drawing thousands of European immigrants and African Americans
into the region. Miners' strikes between 1912 and 1921 required
the intervention of state and federal troops to quell the
violence.
Today, the state ranks second in total coal production, with
about 15% of the U.S. total. It is also a leader in steel,
glass, aluminum, and chemical manufactures. Major agricultural
commodities are poultry and eggs, dairy products, and apples.
Tourism is increasingly popular in mountainous West Virginia.
More than a million acres have been set aside in 37 state parks
and recreation areas and in 9 state forests and 2 national
forests. Major points of interest include Harpers Ferry and New
River Gorge National River, The Greenbrier and Berkeley Springs
resorts, the scenic railroad at Cass, and the historic homes in
the Eastern Panhandle. |
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