West Virginia

North America, United States
United States

People from West Virginia are called:

Male/General:

West Virginian

Pronunciation:

/ˌwɛst vərˈdʒɪniən/

Quick Facts

Population:
1,760,000 (2024 est.)
Country:
United States
Region:
North America

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Etymology & Origin

Formed during the Civil War from northwestern Virginia counties; name references its origin from Virginia.

Notable People Associated with West Virginia

Generations of talented individuals have been associated with this vibrant place.

Aviators & Astronauts

Chuck Yeager

Myra, West Virginia

U.S. Air Force officer and test pilot who became the first person to break the sound barrier.

Breaking the sound barrier

Science & Technology

Katherine Johnson

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights.

Orbital mechanics and Hidden Figures

Literature & Arts

Pearl S. Buck

Hillsboro, West Virginia

Nobel Prize-winning author known for 'The Good Earth', depicting peasant life in China.

Nobel Prize in Literature

Sports Legends

Jerry West

Chelyan, West Virginia

NBA legend and the inspiration for the NBA logo, known as 'Mr. Clutch'.

NBA excellence and the NBA logo
Mary Lou Retton

Fairmont, West Virginia

Gymnast who became the first American woman to win the individual all-around gold medal at the Olympics.

1984 Olympic Gold Medalist

Music & Entertainment

Brad Paisley

Glen Dale, West Virginia

Country music singer-songwriter and guitarist with numerous hits and awards.

Country music stardom
Steve Harvey

Welch, West Virginia

Comedian, television host, and author known for 'Family Feud' and his stand-up comedy.

Television hosting and comedy
Bill Withers

Slab Fork, West Virginia

Soul singer-songwriter known for timeless hits like 'Lean on Me' and 'Ain't No Sunshine'.

Soul and R&B music

About West Virginia

  • Capital city: Charleston.
  • Mountainous terrain central to coal and energy history.
  • Increasing focus on outdoor recreation and tourism.
  • Admitted as the 35th state in 1863.

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