West Virginia Explorer West Virginia Explorer News
Browse

History / Prehistory

The history and prehistory of West Virginia reveal a fascinating journey from ancient Native American cultures to its role in America’s story. Prehistoric sites, such as the Grave Creek Mound, showcase the region’s mound-building cultures that left behind impressive burial mounds and earthworks. Later, European settlers ventured into the rugged Appalachian Mountains, forging frontier communities and thriving amidst challenging terrain. During the American Civil War, West Virginia famously seceded from Virginia to remain loyal to the Union, becoming the 35th state in 1863. Coal mining played a vital role in shaping West Virginia’s economy and identity, fueling America’s industrial growth and leaving a lasting legacy in the state’s communities and culture. Today, visitors can explore historic towns, Civil War battlefields, and preserved pioneer homesteads that tell the rich, enduring story of West Virginia’s resilient spirit and deep mountain roots.

The West Virginia Department of Tourism has announced its 2026 History Heroes Award recipients, honoring volunteers, preservationists, historians, genealogists, and museum leaders from communities across the Mountain State
History / Prehistory

W.Va. Tourism announces 2026 History Heroes award winners

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has announced the recipients of the 2026 History Heroes Awards, recognizing volunteers and preservation advocates who have helped safeguard the state’s rich historical legacy for future generations. The annual awards honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to local museums, historical societies, preservation organizations, genealogy groups, and … Read more

Historian William Jones at Pence Springs
History / Prehistory

Hidden healing spring on historic Pence Springs resort grounds draws new interest

by David Sibray

PENCE SPRINGS, W.Va. — Historians in West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley are searching for answers about a little-known healing spring hidden on the grounds of the famed Pence Springs Hotel, a once-renowned mineral resort now on the market. While the sulfur-rich waters that made Pence Springs famous were widely promoted and carefully documented, far less is … Read more

A party of travelers bound for the Cumberland Gap in 1779 were scalped and captured in what is remembered as the Pauley Massacre.
History / Prehistory

Few may recall 1779 Pauley massacre fought in the shadow of East River Mountain

by David Sibray

OAKVALE, W.Va.— Motorists traveling along US 460 east of Autumn at Brush Creek Falls in Mercer County near the Bluestone National Scenic River.[/caption] The incident, remembered as the Pauley Massacre, was among many deadly clashes that marked the struggle for control of the Appalachian backcountry during the Revolutionary War era. Much of the conflict pitted … Read more

According to some accounts, an extraordinary and clandestine encounter may have unfolded on the evening of June 5, 1861, inside the covered bridge at Philippi.
History / Prehistory

Did Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis secretly meet in West Virginia?

by David Sibray

PHILIPPI, W.Va. — Did Abraham Lincoln and Philippi Covered Bridge[/caption] Without a word exchanged, the troops sealed off both ends of the covered bridge spanning the Tygart Valley River. Civilians were ordered indoors. Wagons and riders were halted well away from the bridge. There were no bugle calls, no shouted commands, no skirmishing—only the clink … Read more