The Great State of West Virginia - Or Not?

West Virginia is a state that broke away from Virginia and became a separate state on June 20,1863. Rather the state is a Northern one or southern one is up to debate. I guess it's a matter of opinion. If you want my opinion then southern West Virginia is south and northern West Virginia is north. West Virginia can be the butt of a lot of jokes and a lot of myths.

It's sad to say that a lot of people that's never been to West Virginia assume it's not even a state. Some people may go as far as saying western Virginia or " oh you mean Virginia ?" The dialect spoken in West Virginia is considered to be that of the Appalachia dialect but if you go to the city you may be surprised. Yes I assure you deep in the mountains you may here someone say warsher instead of washer. In the Cities though you will notice its much like a city in the South East. The people are civilized and carry out typical day to day functions.

One thing that is rumored about West Virginians is that they have no shoes, teeth, and everybody is dirty. West Virginia is one of the most poverty stricken states in America but people are very much in tune with today's society. I have never met a hillbilly or mountain man in the state of West Virginia. I have met people who work hard everyday and work 9 to 5's and in most cases even more than that. Mechanics, coal miners, lawyers, judges, and teachers are a few job titles in West Virginia just like any other state.

Famous people from West Virginia include New England Patriot's wide receiver Randy Moss, Don Knotts of the Andy Griffith Show, the NBA Logo Jerry West, Country star Brad Paisley, and black educational leader Booker T. Washington to name a few. That brings me to my next point. Are there African American people in West Virginia ? Yes there are African Americans although West Virginia houses more Caucasian residents than any other race. If you visit around southern West Virginia it will remind you of the southern states in some spots.

People in West Virginia take great pride in their state as they should. The Appalachian mountains makes the state green and colorful in the fall. It is a beautiful state with such attractions as hiking, white water rafting, fishing and hunting. It is home to families who work hard and are kind and caring. Which is why it disgust me to hear rumors of insest echo about the great state of West Virginia. The crime rate is low and there is many adventures you can take part in. After spending time there I'm sure you to will be singing , John Denver , "Country Roads."