My Interest in West Virginia

More often than not, the distant on-lookers do not take the time to learn and more importantly, appreciate, West Virginia's rich history, of which, I personally find the most attractive characteristic of this state, aside from the incredible, mesmerizing beauty that always knocks the wind out of me each time Icatch a glimpse of the leaves changing their shades of green to a breathtaking aesthetic of red, yellow, and orange each fall.Nevertheless, it is the history behind what has pioneered our workforce and our annual income for decades upon decades hat has caught my attention. What is it, you may ask? I'll give you a hint, Matewan. Not to discredit any one's intelligence but in the slight chance that you have not figured out what this blog is about, I'm talking about the prosperous, yet dangerous coal mines! Before enrolling in my Appalachia class, I knew very little about the history West Virginia, but I had an eye-opening experience when my teacher, Joel, popped in a movie, entitled Matewan. The movie struck me deep in my core, made me want to learn more about coal mines, where they started, who founded coal, and many other facts that were completely unknown to me. So, I took intiative and researched these facts, almost all of them being new information for me. Did you know that fifty-three of the fifty-five counties in WV have coal in their landscape, or did you know that Mcdowell County has produced more coal than any other county in this state? I guess I am trying to persade and strike interest in you to want to learn and develope a greater appreciation for WV's history. I know I have a lot more to learn about WV and I am ready and willing.

                                                                                                                                        -Leah

Cityscape

I adore the vast natural beauty in West Virginia and the scenic routes anyone can take on a day when they need relaxtion, whether it be simply the Rails to Trails or Dorsey's Knob. I visit these places occasionally, but there's no place that has influenced me more than the town I wake up to every morning.

When I was younger I used to think Morgantown appeared somewhat rundown and trashy becaues of the older buildings it had in parts of town. Sometimes it would be a house on the side of the street with vines crawling up the stained outter walls behind a weedy terrace; then there would be the old stores in town with sun-faded signs and washed out facades. I really resented these traits, especially when I compared them to the beautiful, always new and fresh cities and towns I'd visit on vacations. I had overlooked the originality of my own town's unique beauty.

Such was an unfair comparison anyhow; taking a look at other towns I've traveled through that aren't trying to keep a reputation as a popular tourist attraction, not so much is different. An aged, wise feel is shared by  a few worn down buildings and old stores. Morgantown has been clearing space for new apartments to help sustain the college students that flock here each new semester, and the sidewalks downtown have recently been replaced. But there are enough old stores and buildings that have collected nuance over the years to keep alive Morgantown's wise little spirit.

Something else that I have admired over the years -- and admittedly taken for granted because I've lived here my entire life -- is the PRT system. Along with that, the bus system as well -- so many places are reachable by some form of public transportation; it makes the town feel smaller and connected. The enclosure of my school in the city contributes to this because downtown is just a few minutes walk away. Though I'm generally an introveretd person, I find the knowledge comforting that the world full of busy people plowing through their day is outside my window.

I love the feeling of a town that really flows together. Morgantown contains that. Those big cities people admire so much lose that sense; they're fun to visit, but despite how huge their size and population are, they're lonely.

Taryn

A Call From Appalachia

                I’ve traveled along this land. I’ve gone to the North, down to the South, over plains, to lakes so great, to the ocean on the other side, and to a place in between. Granted, I never got to explore every niche and crevice to be found, nor have I had the chance to unravel all the mysteries of the earth. However, that is no matter. No land I’ve ever set foot on has ever caused something so strong to reverberate through my bones than that of Appalachia.

                What is it about this land that brings to life a humming in my marrow? Every hill, every mountain, every little inch has an old soul. Once upon a time, the mountains were young and proud, but, like all things, time eased them to an age of wisdom and a time to nestle down for rest. The trees position themselves everywhere, even in the cement of the small cities. They show no fear of people. The woods are peaceful, undisturbed, welcoming to all who belong with an ocean of natural wonder. The people have this sturdiness, this overwhelming aura of a race rather ancient, this almost indescribable nature to them that is different from the vast assortment all over. The old ways of life are not just grains lost in the tree of life. No, they are still flowing in the stems, the leaves, the trunk, and all throughout this immortal growth. Appalachia is alive and not forgotten in its lifestyle; Appalachia is a home to all, with plenty to go around. What is there not to love? What is there not to admire? What about it will not warm one’s soul?

~Chandra

There isn’t a place in this town, or this state, or probably the tri-state area where a little green cannot be found during all seasons. Even under heavy snow, sparse patches of grass will survive and display their colors proudly, refusing to be beaten down by the brutal cold. Evergreens stand in abundance, rivaling the snow and ice and serving as reminders that winter cannot last forever, and that, come springtime, lush foliage will once again envelop the land and swallow it whole.

When that time finally arrives, the possibilities are endless. Just a few miles from the city’s heart in any direction, a sanctuary that seems light-years away from civilization can be found and enjoyed. Flowers, ferns, mosses, and weeds are delightful companions on the forest floors. Centuries-old trees adorned with vines and poison oak tower above and create a roof overhead. Invisible critters scurry beneath the brush and scare you breathless, and ever-happy birds chat back and forth.

The greatest thing of all is that a  human can stay out in the wild a while and feel completely and utterly alone- but never lonely.

                                                                                             ~Emma                                                                                                                                               

What I Like About Appalachia

For those of us who live in Appalachia, it is nice to sometimes lean back and take in all that is around us.  West Virginia is known for quite a few things, one of which being the beautiful mountains that can be seen by looking in almost every direction. Not to mention all of the vast rolling hills, manicured farmland, and a deep, rich history that is almost embedded into the very soil. This makes WV the perfect spot for those who enjoy gorgeous landscapes. Whether a person considers themself a professional sightseer, or even if they have lived here their entire life, it is difficult not to be amazed by all of the beauty that is around.

Something that is quite unique about the Appalachian area is, of course, the weather. This is the only place I have ever heard of that can go from 60 degrees one day, to about 20 the next, along with half a foot of snow. The weather is quite unpredictable, which I consider to be quite pleasant. I get full wear of my wardrobe almost year round, in an attempt to tackle whichever element the sky throws at us. In Appalachia, every day is an adventure; you never quite know what to expect.

                                                               - F.

Magical Places of Appalachia

Too many times the region and cities of Appalachia are looked down on and despised. These on-lookers do not realize the charm and beauty of this mysterious place. One place I find the most astounding beauty is on the way to Moorefild WV in Hardy county. The scenic route that is the way me and my family take to travel, to the new highway that was put in, is one of the most beautiful drives that I have been on especially in autumn. If you do not take the highway you get even more beautiful scenery. My most memorable part of the scenic trip is the mountains and the freshwater springs.  A little mountain bypass that me and my family take called Greenland Gap is just simply remarkable.  Picture if you will a smooth, paved road without lines to distract you, curving, flowing around the mountain and running right beside the most picturesque stream.  This stream in not a little tricke of a typical babbling brook, is is a full fledged stream with magnificent, white, flowing watterfalls and it contains multiple routes the water has cut through the rocks.  This is the best part of this area, but this mountain cut would not be the tranquil place it is without the further description of the environment around it. This place surrounding is the ideal place for a mountain getaway if there was lodging anywhere around it.  The road that winds through the Gap is just about enveloped by trees and lush foliage. On a sunny day the trees create the best abstract patterns on the road and stream. On the other side of the stream there is a rock wall, that in itself, shows hundreds of years of history. This wall is diagonally layered and filled with crags where trees have grown out and up to contibute to the enclosement of the valley. This mountain pass is the the most mystical and magical place I have ever been through. This, in my opinion, is the best part of Appalachia.

                                                                                                                                -Todd

I love where I live

I was born and raised in what is now one of the largest cities in West Virginia. That's correct, it is an actual state, contrary to popular belief. While I was still growing up from a child, I never truely realized just how lucky I was to be living in such a town. Trips to the mall to go shopping for clothes, or making Friday night trips out to eat were some of the small things I'd learn to appreciate from my home. Being that it was a college town, I went to school with one of the most diverse groups of people I have ever seen. Blacks,Asians, Hispanics, and of course Whites were only a few of the many racial groups that were present. There was never a short supply of things to do around town either, whether it was simply taking a drive somewhere or going to the ice skating rink, you could never consider yourself bored. The first time I was able to grasp the special situation of my home was when my family decided to go camping at North Bend state park, which was located adjacent to the town of Harris, West Virginia. Harris was a bustling town that had such great features such as a single BP gas station, and a family dollar. The sheer lack of anything civilized was a complete shock to me. I not once saw anyone else of any other racial group. Everything was closed at exactly 5PM, so we were stuck eating at camp for most of our stay. When we finally got back home it really made me realize just how much I love where I live. It is the perfect mix of civilization and appalachia, one that allows me to have dinner past 5PM. It is the perfect balance betweeen busy and calm, and one of the few places in appalachia that you will reguarly see people from different races. Morgantown is truely an anomly in appalachia, and I love it.