e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia Online

1 of 12

The 1974 Tornado Super Outbreak

The outbreak that devastated Xenia, Ohio, also swept through southern West Virginia, killing one

Learn more about this image

Selim the Algerian

Selim, an Algerian-born man, found his way possibly to the wilderness of present-day Pocahontas County in 1759

Learn more about this image

Vegetable Gardening

Learn more about the traditions and importance of vegetable gardening in West Virginia

Learn more about this image

Remembering Clark Kessinger 50 Years Later

This old-time legend continues to influence young fiddlers a half-century after his death

Learn more about this image

Hazel at 100

Dig more deeply into the heart and music of West Virginia with this look at Hazel Dickens on what would have been her 100th birthday

Learn more about this image

Squire Parsons (1948-2025)

Honoring Roane County native Squire Parsons, who wrote over 600 gospel songs, including the classic "Sweet Beulah Land."

Learn more about this image

Bonnie Collins

"The Belle of Doddridge County" was a storytelling sensation at fairs and festivals from the late 1960s to early 2000s

Learn more about this image

Dick Hoblitzell

This Wood County native has several fascinating connections with early 20th-century baseball

Learn more about this image

Revella Hughes

This Harlem Renaissance star returned to her native Huntington to start music programs for Black schools.

Learn more about this image

Beulah McCown Stark

Beulah McCown Stark was one the first licensed women pilots in West Virginia.

Learn more about this image

Jude Binder

Jude Binder is a woodcarver, dancer, playwright, and educator—and also the FestivALL Princess

Learn more about this image

Samuel and Mary Barnes Cabell

This unique 19th-century interracial relationship indirectly led to the founding of West Virginia State University, our state's Black land-grant institution.

Learn more about this image

Today in WV History
04 Jul

Based on the Willey Amendment, any enslaved child born in West Virginia on or after this date was free

The Constitutional Convention of 1861-63 was West Virginia's first constitutional convention and provided the foundation for state government in preparation for statehood. It convened on November 26, 1861, in Wheeling upon the authorization of the...

Read more in Constitutional Convention of 1861-63

Test Your WV Knowledge

West Virginia Quizzes

Ready to see how well you know West Virginia? Choose a quiz and give it a try!

Browse by Category

Buy a copy of our book

The editors packed 2,200 articles into the original edition of the West Virginia Encyclopedia book, representing the work of nearly 600 writers. Get your copy today!

Buy Book

Help support e-WV

When you donate, you help to provide concise, authoritative information about West Virginia to Internet users around the world.

Donate

Buy a copy of West Virginia: A Film History

An unparalleled saga that reveals the enduring strength and courage of a people who've faced some of America's greatest challenges.

Buy Film