WEST VIRGINIA

a central eastern state of the US, also called the Mountain State. The capital and largest city is Charleston. West Virginia separated from Virginia in 1861 because its people did not want to join the Confederate States , and became a US state two years later. It produces apples, milk products, coal, steel, glass and chemicals. Tourist attractions include Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Monongahela National Forest. Nearly 75% of the state is covered by forests.