State of West VirginiaSymbols |
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The Appalachian Mountains extend through the eastern portion of the state, giving West Virginia its nickname of the "Mountain State."
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State of West Virginia Symbols |
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The Appalachian Mountains extend through the eastern portion of the state, giving West Virginia its nickname of the "Mountain State."
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State Flag:
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A white field is bordered in dark blue. West Virginia's flag displays a rock containing the date June 20, 1863, the day West Virginia
became a state. The two men represent farming and mining. Below them are two rifles with a "Liberty Cap" on top the rifles. A banner
ribbon includes the state motto " Mountainiers Are Always Free". Around the picture is a wreath of rhododendren and the name of the
state on a red ribbon.
The official seal of the state of West Virginia has remained unchanged since it was
first adopted in 1863. Soon after West Virginia gained statehood, the state's first Legislature
authorized artist Joseph H. Diss Debar's design for its official seal. The design captures the
essence of West Virginia's natural resources and the resolve of its people. A large boulder sits
in the center of the seal, symbolizing strength, steadfastness, and stability. Etched in the stone
is the date of West Virginia's entrance into the Union, June 20, 1863. Two rifles lie crossed in
front of the boulder, and are draped with the Liberty Cap, signifying the state's willingness to
defend itself in the name of Liberty. On one side of the boulder is a representation of Agriculture,
as a farmer stands with his ax and plow before a cornstalk. On the other side, Industry is symbolized
by a miner shouldering his pickax, and behind him an anvil and sledge hammer. These images are
surrounded by the words "State of West Virginia", and the state's motto "Montani Semper Liberi",
or "Mountainéers Always Free".
