Capitol Street
by Stephen-KarenConn
Credit it to TV shows like the Beverly Hillibillies or whatever, but many uninformed outsiders seem to to think of all West Virginians as backward hicks. To those with that misconception, taking a stroll down Capitol Street in Charleston just may be a real eye-opener. Along this beautiful tree-lined street you will witness a West Virginia that is cosmopolitan and cultured. It is a neighborhood of sophisticated shops, trendy restaurants, parks, and an upscale urban flair. For the true Charleston experience no trip is complete without going to Capitol Street.
West Virginia's First Natural Gas Well
by Stephen-KarenConn
Charleston became the site of West Virginia's first natural gas well in 1815, when Captain James Wilson was drilling here for salt brine. Wilson vowed he would drill to Hell if necessary. He struck a large flow of natural gas which exploded into a huge ball of flame, apparently fulfilling the captain's vow.
Gas, oil, and especially coal all have been vital parts of West Virginia's economy. Although oil is not as abundant as it once was, West Virginia still produces 15% of the nation's coal.
Mountain Music
by mikelisaanna
The hills and valleys of West Viriginia are home to some of the finest mountain/bluegrass musicians in America. A great place to see their talents is Charleston's annual Vandalia Gathering, a three-day music festival held in late May every year. Another is the theatre in the state Capital complex's Cultural Center, which is the venue for Mountain Stage, a two-hour weekly radio concert series on NPR, which is also televised on PBS.
For those not familiar with this style of music, the primary instruments are guitar, fiddle (violin), mandolin, banjo, and bass. Many songs also feature vocals.
Going to the Circus
by butterflykizzez04
We love to go to the Circus when it comes to town each year. It comes to the Charleston Civic Center which is located across the street from the Charleston Town Center Mall. They have a parade from the Stockyard Train Station to the Civic Center, and they have the annual Elephant Bubble Wash where the kids get to blow bubbles while the firemen spray them down. It is alot of fun...and the kids enjoy it.
West Virginia Coal Miner
by Stephen-KarenConn
Dedicated on Dec. 4, 2002, this is the newest statue on the West Virginia State Capitol grounds, and perhaps the one that best symbolizes this great state. The inscription reads:
The West Virginia Coal Miner
In honor and in recognition of the
men and women who have devoted a career,
some a lifetime, towards providing the state,
nation, and world with low-cost
reliable household and industrial energy ...
Let it be said that "Coal" is the fuel that
helped build the greatest country on earth,
has protected and preserved our freedom
and has enhanced our quality of life.
God Bless the West Virginia Coal Miner!
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Dickenson Street Bridge
the Civic Center
River through tree branches
West Virginia State Capitol Building
