West Virginia is unique among the U.S. states and commonwealths in its community development patterns, which are largely determined by its terrain. In the early 1900s, railroads penetrated deep into its interior in search of extractable wealth, though by the turn of the 21st century, the tide of industrialism had ebbed, leaving behind a landscape of small communities in a singular rural environment.
The smallest unit of local government recognized in West Virginia is the incorporated community or "municipality," also known as a town or city. Towns and cities operate independently of the counties in which they are located and maintain their own governments.
West Virginia is divided into 55 counties, most of which were established before West Virginia was created in 1863. Most county bounds encircle a territory principally defined by ridges and river drainage areas. Most counties in West Virginia are relatively rural.
West Virginia has been divided into many complex regions over time and by different agencies. Our editorial department has arranged the state into 12 regions based on cultural patterns and geographic determinants.
Though diverse, the State of West Virginia itself may be approached as a distinct community due to its controversial creation during a period of political upheaval and its condition as the only state located wholly within the Appalachian region of the eastern U.S.
Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs)
Are you searching for travel information specific to a West Virginia region? The friendly folks at West Virginia's convention and visitors bureaus are available to help arrange vacations specific to our various communities, whether you're planning a short trip for yourself or an extended stay for a large group. Find a CVB now to help you plan your trip.
Patterns of Community Growth in West Virginia
As might be expected, the most populous communities in West Virginia -- Wheeling, Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Morgantown -- developed along rivers, accommodating transportation and water power. Extractive industries, such as mining and timbering, saw the birth of communities that quickly waxed and waned, most notably in rugged mountain regions. Many of these latter communities are now ghost towns, and others have entirely disappeared.
Two official forms of community recognized by West Virginia law are counties, school districts, and municipalities, also known as towns or cities.
Ethnic Communities in West Virginia
The first European settlers in West Virginia were most usually of Scots, English, and Scots-Irish descent. Many retreated far back into the highland forest and became mountain people, braving harsh conditions in virtual isolation. Others farmed the fertile valleys. During the American Industrial Revolution, African-Americans and European-Americans of many ethnic origins arrived to work in mines and factories in and near its northern and southern coalfields and in forests throughout the state. In the late 1900s, many International residents moved to the state, settling primarily in its largest cities. As a result, West Virginia is home to many diverse ethnic communities.
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