Governor's Office

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West Virginia, known as the mountain state is home to the Appalachian Mountains. The state is named after England's Queen Elizabeth I, the 'Virgin Queen.' West Virginia s government consists of executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The state animal is the black bear and the state flower is the big laurel. West Virginia has several attractions including whitewater rafting, skiing, fishing and mountain biking. West Virginia has numerous colleges and universities including Concord University and West Virginia University. Major industries in the state include poultry, apples, cattle, mining and tourism. West Virginia became a state in 1863 and is the only state to join the union during the Civil War. It has a population of 1.8 million and Charleston is the capital.