A tour through West Virginia's past is a story of conflicts and collaborations -- a microcosm of the American experience. West Virginia's story is one of epic struggles that helped shape the nation -- the exploration and settlement of the frontier, the French and Indian War, the Civil War and statehood, and the great labor conflicts of the early industrial period -- conflicts of converging cultures and classes of people striving for the same goal: freedom and the right to live. Our heritage is the song and struggle of a mountain people -- proud, hard working, strong and individualistic. A people born into isolation, bred on freedom, determined to keep both at all cost. West Virginia Heritage is your introduction into the history books of West Virginia -- the transportation and industrial growth of our River Cities, the frontier flavor of Mountaineer country, the discovery of the rugged and beautiful Mountains of the highlands, the legacy of George Washington's eastern gateway, and the coal and cultural heritage of Southern West Virginia. Sprinkled into this heritage mixture are Mountain State historical parks and properties maintained by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Our Locator Map will help you find your way through the history of our Mountain State. Enjoy! site by WVAgency