(N) = Nearby
Maryland – North Branch / Potomac River
“Bonus: What WV counties, if any, border MD but are NOT along either stream [North Branch and Potomac Rivers]? What city or town is the county seat for each one?”
Preston – Kingwood
Northern Panhandle
“The Northern Panhandle lies between OH and PA and is highly industrialized. (Bonus: Why?)”
Some reasons: Early Railroad (B&O) and Road (National Road/US Rt. 40) connections to the east and eventually to the west, the Ohio River for transportation and connection to the industrial hub of Pittsburgh, readily available natural resources (including water, coal, salt, gas, oil), and a productive workforce.
“Far Eastern” Panhandle
“…two of the counties [of the Far Eastern Panhandle] are becoming more urbanized, while the third retains much of its rural character. (Bonus: Why?)
Geographically, Morgan County is further west, and separated from the rest of the Far Eastern Panhandle by hills and ridges with few connecting roads.
“Near Eastern” Panhandle
“The Near Eastern Panhandle is an area of WV that is mostly agricultural. (Bonus: Why?)”
Geographic isolation has contributed, as well as the topography and the preferences of local residents. (Change will likely occur with the completion of Appalachian Corridor H – US Rt. 48 – to the VA state line and eventually to Interstates 81 and 66.)
US Rt. 19 / 119
“Bonus: Where in WV do US Rt. 19 and US Rt. 119 meet and/or cross? (Hint: There are two places.)“
Morgantown and Weston
US Rt. 250
“Bonus: Many important historical places are located along US Rt. 250. Name some of them.”
Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike
Fort Allegheny
Camp Bartow
Cheat Summit Fort
National Radio Astronomy Observatory (N)
Cass Scenic Railroad (N)
Camp Elkwater
Tygart Valley Homesteads
Beverly Historic District / Heritage Center
Elkins
Graceland & Halliehurst
Davis and Elkins College
Rich Mountain Battlefield (N)
Laurel Hill Battlefield
Audra State Park (N)
Philippi Battlefield
Philippi Covered Bridge & Historic District
Alderson-Broaddus University
Anna Jarvis Birthplace
Tygart Lake and Dam (N)
Tygart Lake State Park (N)
Mothers Day Shrine (N)
Grafton Rail Yards (N)
West Virginia and Grafton National Cemeteries (N)
Fairmont State University
Barrackville Covered Bridge
Original Route of the B&O Railroad
Monongah (N)
Farmington
Mannington
Fish Creek Covered Bridge
Roseby’s (Rosbby’s) Rock (N)
New Vrindabin – Palace of Gold
Grave Creek Mound & Delf Norona Museum
Former WV Penitentary
WV Independence Hall
Wheeling Suspension Bridge
WV Rt. 20
“Bonus!! WV Rt. 20 passes many interesting places. Name some of them.”
WV CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) Museum
Pringle Tree Park
WV Wesleyan College
Carrollton Covered Bridge
WV Wildlife Center
Holly River State Park
Camp Washington Carver / Clifftop (N)
Babcock State Park (N)
New River Gorge National River
Sandstone Visitor Center
Sandstone Falls
John Henry Park (N)
Bluestone Lake and Dam
Bluestone National Scenic River
Pipestem State Park
Concord University
Bluefield State College (N)
Pinnacle Rock State Park
