West Virginia became the 35th state of the Union on June 20, 1863! It’s named to distinguish itself from Virginia, from which it seceded during the Civil War, but you can also call it The Mountain State! Its capital and largest city is Charleston! West Virginia’s state motto is “Montani semper liberi,” which means “Mountaineers are always free!” This state is famous for its coal mines within the depths of Appalachia, Seneca Rocks, Weston State Hospital, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and the Mothman statue at Point Pleasant!