Charleston, the state capital, earned the nickname "Chemical Capital of the World" due to its significant chemical manufacturing industry, particularly during the 20th century.
West Virginia is part of the Appalachian Mountains, a region known for its rugged terrain and significant coal reserves.
The Monongahela River flows through northern West Virginia but does not form a border. The Ohio and Potomac Rivers do form part of the state's borders, and the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac near the state’s eastern border.
The Kanawha River, formed by the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers, is the longest river entirely within West Virginia, flowing 97 miles through the state.
Spruce Knob, with an elevation of 4,863 feet, is the highest point in West Virginia, located in the Allegheny Mountains.
