The world’s largest sycamore tree is located on the Back Fork of the Elk River in Webster Springs.
Nearly 75% of West Virginia is covered by forests.
15% of the nation’s total coal production comes from West Virginia.
West Virginia’s Memorial Tunnel was the first in the nation to be monitored by television.
Moundsville is the site of the continent’s largest cone-shaped prehistoric burial mound.
Mother’s Day was first observed at Andrews Church in Grafton on May 10, 1908.
The first federal prison exclusively for women in the United States was opened in 1926 in West Virginia.
West Virginia was the first state to have a sales tax. It became effective July 1, 1921.
The first steamboat was launched by James Rumsey in the Potomac River at Shepherdstown on December 3, 1787.
Organ Cave, near Ronceverte, is the third largest cave in the United States and the largest in the state.
The first electric railroad in the world, built as a commercial enterprise, between Huntington and Guyandotte.
Coal House, the only residence in the world built entirely of coal, is located in White Sulphur Springs.
The last public hanging in West Virginia was held in Jackson County in December 1897.
In May 1860, the first well in the state for producing crude oil was drilled at Burning Springs.
Chester Merriman of Romney was the youngest soldier of World War I, having enlisted at the age of 14.
The state is home to a nuclear bunker designed to accommodate congressmen and women, if there is a nuclear attack.
On August 3, 1984, gymnast Mary Lou Retton became the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic gold for the All-Around event.
At 700 feet, the Phil G. McDonald Bridge, located in Beckley, West Virginia, is the tallest truss bridge in the world.