Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > History

West Virginia Trivia: How Well Do You Know State History?

Quick, free West Virginia quiz to test your history knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Unibeth Von ChocoUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art West Virginia trivia quiz layered state outline mountain coal miner question mark on teal background

This West Virginia trivia quiz helps you check what you know about the Mountain State's history, from frontier settlements to coal towns and the Civil War. Learn a few facts as you go, see your score instantly, then try a West Virginia practice test to sharpen skills or explore neighbors with a Virginia history quiz or a Maryland quiz.

When did West Virginia officially become a state?
December 31, 1864
June 20, 1863
January 1, 1860
July 4, 1776
West Virginia separated from Confederate Virginia and was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, making it the 35th state. This action was the result of the Wheeling Conventions and approval by Congress. The date is celebrated each year as West Virginia Statehood Day.
What is the capital city of West Virginia?
Charleston
Wheeling
Huntington
Morgantown
Charleston has served as the capital of West Virginia since 1885. It is the largest city in the state by population and the seat of Kanawha County. The city sits at the confluence of the Kanawha and Elk rivers.
What nickname is West Virginia commonly known by?
The Mountain State
The Lone Star State
The Sunflower State
The Evergreen State
West Virginia is known as 'The Mountain State' due to its rugged terrain in the Appalachian Mountains. This nickname reflects the state's high elevations and scenic mountain landscapes. It appears on license plates and in tourism marketing.
What is the official state tree of West Virginia?
American Beech
Sugar Maple
Eastern Red Cedar
White Oak
The sugar maple was designated as West Virginia's official state tree in 1949. It was chosen for its widespread presence in the state and its vibrant fall foliage. The tree also produces sap used to make maple syrup.
Why did West Virginia separate from Virginia during the Civil War?
It was promised more federal aid
It wanted to join the Confederacy
It opposed secession and remained loyal to the Union
It wanted to form a new nation
Most northwestern counties of Virginia opposed secession and formed a separate government loyal to the Union. They held the Wheeling Conventions, which led to the creation of West Virginia. Congress admitted the new state in 1863.
Who was the first governor of West Virginia?
Henry A. Wise
John Brown
Francis H. Pierpont
Arthur I. Boreman
Arthur I. Boreman served as the first governor of West Virginia from 1863 to 1869. He presided over the new state during the Civil War and early Reconstruction. Boreman later served as a U.S. Senator for West Virginia.
What is the highest point in West Virginia?
Seneca Rocks
Black Mountain
Spruce Knob
Mount Washington
Spruce Knob, at 4,863 feet, is the highest elevation in West Virginia. It is part of the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia. The summit offers panoramic views and is within the Monongahela National Forest.
Which labor conflict was the largest uprising in United States labor history, occurring in West Virginia in 1921?
Great Railroad Strike
Battle of Blair Mountain
Haymarket Affair
Homestead Strike
The Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921 was a major armed labor uprising in Logan County, West Virginia. Thousands of coal miners fought for union recognition and better working conditions. Federal troops intervened to end the conflict.
In what year was West Virginia University founded?
1850
1900
1867
1776
West Virginia University was chartered by the state Legislature in 1867 as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act. It began classes in 1870 and is located in Morgantown. Today it is the largest university in the state.
Which river forms most of the eastern border of West Virginia's eastern panhandle?
Monongahela River
Ohio River
Potomac River
Kanawha River
The Potomac River runs along the northern edge of the Eastern Panhandle, forming the boundary with Maryland. It is one of the major rivers on the East Coast. The West Virginia-Maryland border follows its course.
The infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud largely took place along which West Virginia river?
Cheat River
New River
Greenbrier River
Tug Fork
The Tug Fork, a tributary of the Big Sandy River, marked the boundary between West Virginia and Kentucky. The Hatfield and McCoy families fought along its banks during their famous late-19th-century feud. Today the Tug Fork area commemorates this history.
Which is the largest county by area in West Virginia?
Berkeley County
Monongalia County
Randolph County
Kanawha County
Randolph County covers over 1,040 square miles, making it the largest by area in West Virginia. It is located in the eastern part of the state and includes parts of the Monongahela National Forest. Its county seat is Elkins.
What was the name of the mining disaster in 1907 that remains the deadliest coal mining accident in American history, occurring in West Virginia?
Farmington Mine Disaster
Smith Mine Disaster
Monongah Mine Disaster
Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster
On December 6, 1907, an explosion at the Monongah mines in Marion County killed an estimated 362 miners. It remains the deadliest mining disaster in U.S. history. The tragedy led to reforms in mine safety practices.
What was the name of the series of conventions held in 1861 that led to the creation of West Virginia?
Annapolis Convention
Wheeling Conventions
Harrisburg Convention
Montfort Convention
The First and Second Wheeling Conventions in 1861 were gatherings of Unionist delegates from northwestern Virginia. They rejected secession and created the Restored Government of Virginia, paving the way for West Virginia's admission. These meetings were crucial to the state's founding.
0
{"name":"When did West Virginia officially become a state?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"When did West Virginia officially become a state?, What is the capital city of West Virginia?, What nickname is West Virginia commonly known by?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Major Historical Events -

    Recall and describe pivotal moments in West Virginia's history, from its founding to key Civil War events.

  2. Identify Influential Figures -

    Identify prominent leaders, inventors, and cultural icons who shaped the Mountain State.

  3. Analyze Statehood Significance -

    Analyze the social and political factors that led to West Virginia's separation from Virginia in 1863.

  4. Evaluate Fascinating Anecdotes -

    Evaluate lesser-known stories and hidden gems that highlight West Virginia's unique heritage.

  5. Apply Knowledge to Quiz Challenges -

    Apply your understanding of west virginia trivia and history quiz questions to test and improve your mastery.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Statehood & Civil War Origins -

    West Virginia broke away from Confederate Virginia to join the Union on June 20, 1863, making it the only state born of the Civil War (National Park Service). Remember "West vs. Vir - Union Stirs" to recall the split over secession. Review the legal process under the "Restored Government of Virginia" for clarity on how statehood was achieved.

  2. John Brown's Raid at Harper's Ferry -

    In October 1859, abolitionist John Brown led an armed raid on the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry, aiming to spark a slave revolt (Library of Congress). Mnemonic: "Brown's Bold Heist in '59" helps you recall the year and event. Understand how this raid heightened tensions leading directly to the Civil War.

  3. Battle of Blair Mountain -

    Fought in August 1921, Blair Mountain was the largest labor uprising in U.S. history, where coal miners clashed with private security and state troops (National Park Service). Use the phrase "Blair's 1921 Stand" to remember the year and significance. Examine how this battle influenced labor laws and union rights in West Virginia and beyond.

  4. Appalachian Coal Mining Legacy -

    Coal mining powered West Virginia's economy from the late 19th century, giving rise to company towns, "mine wars," and grassroots labor movements (West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History). Consider mapping major coalfields like the Northern and Southern Coalfields to visualize regional impact. A useful term to remember is "C.A.M.P." for Coal, Appalachia, Mining, and Population shifts.

  5. New River Gorge Bridge & Park -

    Opened in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge is the world's longest steel arch and in 2020 the area became a national park and preserve (National Park Service). Think "Bridge to Heaven '20" to link the bridge's engineering feat with its national park status. Explore how geography and conservation efforts shape tourism and local culture.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Regional History Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker