A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day...02-06-04....WVNan's West Virginia

WVNan, Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997. Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dansangel, dutchess, Aquamarine ~

Please join us as we make a cyber-visit to another great state in this Union of ours. Today, WVNan is presenting her beautiful state of West Virginia. She has provided all the research, text and photos for this presentation. Thank you Nan, for showing us around your Fine state.

Over the past year each "Finest" hostess has profiled her home state and I have been presenting the other states in random order. Please FReepMail me if you would like to participate in spotlighting your state. I would love to have your input on what you would like to see highlighted.

These are the states we have presented to date:

05-23-03 Alabama 06-27-03 Maryland 07-11-03 Vermont 07-25-03 Utah 08-05-03 Texas 08-22-03 Nevada 08-26-03 Wash DC 09-05-03 Tennessee 09-17-03 Florida

09-19-03 Minnesota 10-03-03 New Mexico 10-14-03 Georgia 10-17-03 Louisiana 10-22-03 Michigan 11-04-03 South Dakota 11-14-03 California 01-09-04 South Carolina

As we present each of our 50 states we also salute the proud FReepers who call their state 'home'.

The Great Seal of West Virginia was adopted by the Legislature on September 26, 1863. The seal bears the legend, State of West Virginia, together with the motto, "Montani Semper Liberi" (Mountaineers Are Always Free) A farmer stands to the right and a miner to the left of a large rock bearing the date of admission to the Union, June 20, 1863. In front of the rock are two hunters' rifles with a Phygerian Cap, or "Cap of Liberty", resting at the cross of the rifles.

Click HERE to explore the eight
geographical regions of West Virginia.





The golden domed State Capitol in Charleston, WV.

West Virginia’s history is all about people – the ones who made their mark on the Mountain State, and the caretakers who have preserved their memories. The caretakers of West Virginia’s rich history bring the past to life for visitors through the reenactment of Civil War battles, the dramatization of historic events for theater audiences, the repair and reconstruction of important sites, and the careful retelling of events that have affected the state and the nation. Every region of the state has, in unique ways, captured moments in history, making it possible for visitors to step back in time. Many key sites are connected by easy-to-follow heritage trails that link places and events. You can walk the cobblestone streets of a town that looks as it did during the Civil War, tour a coal mine that was active in the 1890s, ride antique trains that once hauled timber from the hills, or visit the restored homes of world-famous West Virginians. History here is close, it’s personal and it’s accessible to anyone with a thirst for knowledge.

The pioneers of Western Virginia were a proud and rugged people, yet they are also a very religious people.

Baptizing in the river.

When the New England coal barons came to the mountains, many of the mountain men sold their soul to the company for empty promises. The exploitation kept most West Virginian families in poverty.

Along with the coal mining came the rape of the forests.

A typical coal town in 1920.

More than 200,000 acres of this great state have been set aside as state parks, forests and wildlife management areas. These sites offer West Virginians and visitors areas of pristine, scenic beauty, natural wonders, and historical significance as well as recreational enjoyment.

West Virginia State Park Tours




West Virginia is one of the premier states in the Eastern United States that offers all types of wilderness and outdoor adventures. World class whitewater rafting is found on the New River and the Gauley River. The lower New River is called the Grand Canyon of the East.

Seneca Rocks and the New River Gorge offer extreme rock climbing challenges. There are seven ski resorts in West Virginia that offer the finest skiing in the East, as well as Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledding and Snow Tubing. Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding are popular, and who can resist the thrill of Base Jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day?

Do you long for tamer pursuits? Check out the hundreds of mountain lodges, resorts, golf courses and fishing spots. Pamper yourself at the famous Greenbrier Resort. And, on your way home be sure and stop at the Tamarack near Beckley, WV and feast your eyes and your palate on West Virginia crafts and food, all under one roof.




West Virginia has been depicted as "hillbilly" country, and that is certainly true. We take those criticisms with humor and play into the stereotype when it benefits us. In that vein here are some pictures of the "other" West Virginia.

We hope you have enjoyed your brief trip through our beloved state. There are more adventures awaiting you in West Virginia. So pack up the car and the kids and plan the vacation of a lifetime in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.

Have a nice FRiday and a great weekend!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 02-02-04...Military Monday 02-03-04...February is Funnest at the Finest 02-04-04...Meet GailA's Freedom's Rocket! 02-05-04...JohnHuang2 - John's Two Cents

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45MAN danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[mountaineer]

Sorry I couldn't join you all sooner, but our entire town has been without electricity all morning! (Note to all: this is not a typical W.Va. occurrence, honest!) Although I wasn't born here, my parents, grandparents, and many generations of my family were native West Virginians.

Coming to live in the Mountain State, after years in big metropolitan areas like New York, L.A., St. Louis and Pittsburgh, was like returning home. Despite our poverty and our entrenched Democrat government (I'd say the latter does nothing to reduce the former), I still wouldn't want to live anywhere else at this point of my life.

I will check out the thread with interest, Nan!

[Pippin]

The Computer'sout for awhile :O(

But I'm enjoying the "visit" to WV! :O)

How are you doing?

[Pippin]

Hi, (((AQUA)))!

[WVNan]

Boy, you're right about the electric. We have more power plants that the rest of the world LOL. Glad you're here now mountaineer.

[Taliesan]

Hey!

I don't have a picture, but...

Somewhere between Snowshoe Mountain and Cass Railroad is a two lane paved road you'll miss unless you know what you're looking for. "Back Mountain Road" winds for miles along the side of the ridge, looking down on red barns and gold hayricks. There is where I sat for a day trying to capture the shadows on the abandoned white church; there is where I found the split-rail fence overgrown with orange lilies; there is where I trailed the heron who watched me with one eye and the minnow swarms with the other.

Some day I'll go find it again.

[WVNan]

Pip, I'm doing wonderful. Been losing weight and getting healthy.

[WVNan]

I assume that you are an artist Taliesan. I would love to see your work. We live close. Could you post a sample of your work here? We won't steal it but a few times.LOL

[Pippin]

Sounds great! :O)

[mountaineer]

I'll try to add a few random thoughts about W.Va., which is a great place to vacation. Of course, whitewater sports are one of our biggest draws, but there's also rockclimbing, skiing (I've done it at Canaan; my brother just returned from skiing Pipestem, I believe), hunting, fishing, hiking and great golf! The Greenbriar is old-time elegance at its best, but Wheeling's Oglebay Park also has three nice courses, as well as a lovely lodge and cabins. Watoga State Park has rustic cabins for families, and cranberry bogs, something you might expect to see in Massachusetts, rather than W.Va. Did you mention the Cass Scenic Railroad? That's a fun experience, especially for kids. Lots of history here, from Rich Mountain (near Elkins), site of one of the first Civil War battles to Harpers Ferry to Wheeling's 150 year old suspension bridge.

[WVNan]

Cass Mountain Railroad is is fun trip, especially in the fall.

[Aquamarine]

Here's some Bluegrass Music to go with that picture.

Orange Blossom Special

[Pippin]

OOPS!

gotta split!

Darks, I'm "watching" you! BWAHAHAHAHA!

Everyone have a nice weekend! I'll see y'all next time I get to post.

[jwfiv]

Good morning, Mrs. Bear...)))

Thank you for hosting and posting this profile of West Virginia...love the transition from then to now.

Hello to all our Hostesses, and all the Finest.

[WVNan]

And a Bluegrass band (Idletymes) to go with the music. (That's son with the fiddle).

[Mama_Bear]

Sorry I missed you Pippin, but glad you were able to stop in for a few minutes. Take care ((((((((Pip))))))))).

[WVNan]

Hello jw. I'm so glad you were able to visit my state. History and WV go together. It has some of the most exciting history in America.

[Mama_Bear]

(((((((((((jwfiv))))))))))))) Howdy!

[dutchess]

Absolutely beautiful job you two! The presentation is beautiful Lori and Nan the pictures and "tour" is fabulous. WV is one place I haven't visited...sure makes me want to come. Geesh...and it's just a roadtrip. Is spring a nice time???

[Mama_Bear]

Orange Blossom Special

Love that!! There are good midis and great midis....that's a GREAT one! :-)

[dutchess]

Hi Billie, lovely sistahs and finest friends. Busy work day but wanted to sneak in and say hi. Again, kudos nan and Lori! And Aqua...I just knew you would find some toe tapping music. Have to run...hope to stop back later.