West Virginia 2008 Official State Travel Guide - (Page 28) REPORTS HERITAGE by Juliet A. Terry Wonderful West Virginia MOUNTAIN STATE HERITAGE Past, Present & Future West Virginia’s heritage is as varied as its landscape. Some areas are populated with families whose roots go back generations, while others are teeming with residents with a more recent history. W Special EVENTS West Virginia is gearing up to mark a variety of celebrations – including landmark anniversaries for the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and John Brown’s infamous raid on Harpers Ferry. To learn more about the state’s Civil War history and other heritage attractions, visit www.WVtraditions.com. Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival . est Virginia’s cultural heritage was shaped by people from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. Centuries ago, Native American groups populated the state. Later on, as industries such as steel manufacturing and coal mining flourished, Europeans and other immigrants flowed into this pocket of Appalachia, giving the state a diverse, rich and storied past. “Solomon’s Secret” outdoor drama, at the Golden Delicious Festival in Clay County . a INTERNATIONAL FLAIR In Randolph County, the tiny town of Helvetia has kept its European heritage alive by maintaining its authentic Swiss village. Each summer in Ohio County, the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival showcases the vibrant Italian roots in that region. Underlying this international heritage is a common thread that binds residents new and old – the pride of being a West Virginian. Despite geographic and cultural differences across the state, West Virginians still act as though they live in a small town where people support and protect one another. After all, West Virginia, like its historically immigrant population, got its start by breaking from oppression and hoping for a better life. People take great care to maintain the values that helped create the nation’s 35th state where, as its motto says, “Mountaineers are Always Free.” From left to right: Prickett’s Fort State Park and beautiful artwork from Helvetia Today, West Virginia’s low cost of living and peaceful quality of life are attracting an entirely new group of “immigrants,” those fleeing the hectic, expensive big-city lifestyles of Washington, D.C., and other surrounding metropolitan areas. The Eastern Panhandle, in particular, is the fastest-growing part of West Virginia thanks to a steady stream of new residents from the greater D.C. area who bring with them not just ethnic diversity, but also economic success. No matter what part of the state you visit, however, its heritage is displayed proudly and celebrated with enthusiasm. d e g. 28 1 - 8 0 0 - C A L L W VA http://www.WVtraditions.com
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