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West Virginia culture is a captivating blend of rich Appalachian traditions and vibrant high culture infused with the jazz of surrounding U.S. cities like Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. The state is renowned for its deep-rooted Appalachian heritage, which is showcased through folk music, storytelling, and traditional crafts such as quilting and woodcarving. Visitors can experience this authentic culture at local festivals and heritage museums throughout the Mountain State. At the same time, West Virginia also embraces high culture, with world-class performances at the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, acclaimed theater productions at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, and art exhibitions at the Huntington Museum of Art. This unique mix of mountain traditions and refined artistic offerings makes West Virginia a true cultural gem in the heart of Appalachia.

Photograph Of James A. Miller 1860
Culture

Historian reclassifies Civil War “skirmish” in W.Va. as all-out battle

by Amanda Larch Hinchman

HURRICANE, W.Va. — Early research on a Civil War engagement in West Virginia at Hurricane Bridge underestimated the number of soldiers involved. This led historians to mislabel the “battle” as a “skirmish,” according to historian Philip Hatfield, Ph.D. “A skirmish implies this small, sort of insignificant affair, but there were many more troops involved,” says … Read more

Christmas snow In Harpers Ferry
Culture

Harpers Ferry national park to host Christmas weekend December 6-8

by David Sibray

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is hosting an early December weekend of historical Christmas events and demonstrations that bring to life the holidays in 1864 when the U.S. Army transformed the town into a major supply center.The park is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It … Read more

Dining In Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Culture

After an adventure in Pocahontas County, nothing beats good food

by David Sibray

MARLINTON, W.Va. — Skiing, hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits in the West Virginia highlands can work up monster appetites. That’s why the travel bureau in Pocahontas County, where those pursuits are chief, is celebrating its diverse restaurants.“After a big day on the slopes and trails, there’s nothing like a big meal,” says Jake Hyer, … Read more

Cliffs in Hacker Valley, Webster County, Allegheny Highlands Region
Culture

Isolated Webster County in West Virginia once declared itself a state

by David Sibray

WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. — Perhaps no county in West Virginia is as isolated as Webster County. Entirely mountainous, no expressway or U.S. highway ventures into it, and many densely forested sections haven’t been explored in years except by enterprising hunters and foresters.Only three percent of its 356,000 acres are in farmland—a remarkably small amount—and almost … Read more