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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.

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 Princeton may find themselves captivated by the surrounding mountains—especially East River Mountain, which rises to nearly 4,000 feet along West Virginia’s southern border and dominates the landscape in every direction. Yet only a short distance from the highway’s Oakvale exit, the East River winds quietly through … Read more

David Sibray and Amanda Hinchman visit the Criel Mound in South Charleston, West Virginia.
History / Prehistory

Prehistoric burial mound in West Virginia contains remarkable secret

by Amanda Larch Hinchman

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rising above the end of this city’s central avenue, the prehistoric Criel Mound—one of the largest burial mounds in West Virginia—has long captivated both onlookers and archaeologists alike. Over the years, its origins have sparked countless theories—ranging from tales of mythic giants to speculation about a lost tribe of Israelites. In … Read more