This Day in History: June 20, 1863
West Virginia, the Mountain State
West Virginia’s karst topography contributes to its cool trout waters, diverse landscapes, whitewater rapids, historic caves and lost world caverns. The state motto of West Virginia Montani Semper Liberi or “Mountaineers Always Free” was adopted in 1863 reflecting the character and beliefs of the citizens of the state at the time of its adoption. Being known as the land of rugged mountains (the scenic Allegheny Mountains cross the state), it is most appropriate for West Virginia to be nicknamed The Mountain State.
Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com
On June 20, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, West Virginia became the 35th state to join the union. West Virginia is the only state in the Union to have acquired its sovereignty by proclamation by the President of the United States. Statehood was proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln.
catnipoflife 
I love West Virginia and could live there. I can’t remember the road we took driving over those mountains but it was both awesome and terrifying. I’ll have to read my book again lol.
I travel through quite a bit of West Virginia on my way from Florida to Pittsburgh. Summer, spring, fall or winter–it’s breathtaking.
Beautiful!