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.

[WVNan]

Well, there you are Cuz. Bright and early after being up most of the night. I hope you have set aside time for a nap today, and pray that you are feeling fit this morning.

[dixie sass]

I would love a cup of coffee and those rolls look delish!!! Thank you Gail!

[WVNan]

Sistah, I hope you can hang out with me today. Get up girl! Mama told you not to lollygag in the nawning.

[kayak]

What an incredibly beautiful presentation inspired by a lovely lady who truly is one of FR's finest! Nan, this makes me want to hop in the car and head for your gorgeous state.

[MeekOneGOP]

LOL ! Those west Texans have obviously never been to the piney woods of east Texas where my Dad lives ...

[N8VTXNinWV]

Wonderful piece!

Good Morning from ICY Lewisburg!

[WVNan]

Bring your bike and your kayack. You would love it.

This 75-mile trail gives you a true taste of "Wild, Wonderful West Virginia!" It parallels the Greenbrier River from North Caldwell to Cass. The surface is original ballast and some hard-packed gravel. This is a flood-prone area, so you may find rough places even though the Greenbrier River Trail Association makes every effort to keep the surface in good riding condition.

[WVNan]

Hi N8! Is it icy there? We're still getting rain. I think it's usually warmer over here at the Point. Hey, if you think of things that I missed (and I know there are tons of them) please post them. This is our chance to introduce WV to people who still think it's Virginia.

[MeekOneGOP]

haha !

[kayak]

I've been to Snowshoe and the scenery on the way was breathtaking. It was snowing when we left and it was obvious why you folks consider it to be God's country.

[N8VTXNinWV]

LOL! will do! :o)


It's still pouring the rain and freezing on contact. It's supposed to turn to all rain this afternoon. What a mess! The kids like the no school thing, though! :o)

[dixie sass]

Thank you, Yer Honor. I was focusing on the wrong thing, instead of the good thing.

[Aquamarine]

You two did such a beautiful job on this post.
I've never been to West Virginia but came close one time on a trip to Canada. Definately need to go there one day since I love the mountains so much.

[dixie sass]

THAT is the absolute truth!

[WVNan]

Morning Aqua. Here's some more interesting facts of WV.

"I suppose that if the more than one million mountains in West Virginia were leveled flat, the state would reach all the way to Texas. In any event, its boundaries extend farther north than Pittsburgh, farther south than Richmond -- the capital of the Old Confederacy -- as far east as Buffalo, New York, and as far west as Columbus, Ohio. It is the most southern of the northern and the most northern of the southern; the most eastern of the western and the most western of the eastern. It is where the East says good morning to the West, and where Yankee Doodle and Dixie kiss each other good night! It is the state that is 'wild and wonderful' and 'almost heaven,' with its beautiful hills and its law-abiding, God-fearing, and patriotic people."

[Temple Owl]

I've driven through several times and we checked out the University of West Virginia when my youngest son was deciding where to go for his master's in civil engineering. He finally chose Drexel University. I enjoyed my visits on the lonesome roads even though they were brief. The scenery is hard to beat.

[WVNan]

I'm glad you had a chance to see some of the beauty. Sorry your son chose another school. A school that is gaining in reputation in recent years is Marshall Univ. in Huntington.

[Mama_Bear]

Morning Nan. Thanks for getting here early.....I see you've gotten everyone greeted and loaded onto the WV tour bus.

See what you've done? Now FReeper bigghurtt has offered to help me present his state of Arkansas! This is what I was hoping would happen - people would see how much fun it is and offer to help with their state. :-)

I am still half asleep. Need some coffee, I'll be back in awhile.

[dixie sass]

The first time I ever went to PA to visit my Aunt Margaret, we stopped for breakfast in a beautiful little West Virginia town.

It was in July, but the morning was cool and the restaurant was at the top of a hill. We had hot Oatmeal with real creamy milk and it was so good. Since then, we have travelled through WV many times and I have yet to find that small town again.

[Aquamarine]

Sounds like your State is in betwixt every every side of the nation! Do all the neighbors get along? Hehehe!