Every state has its oddities. From bizarre laws to unbelievable facts, there is always something that a person doesn’t realize about their home state. Here are just a few facts about West Virginia that might surprise you.
1. In November 2014, Saira Blair became the youngest lawmaker in the history of the United States when she was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates at just 18 years old. She won the primary when she was 17 - not even old enough to vote - and ultimately defeated 44 year old incumbent Larry Kump. Watch the video below to learn more about this impressive young lady.
2. One man is both the oldest and youngest governor ever to serve the state of West Virginia. Cecil H. Underwood became the youngest governor to serve office in 1956 at the age of 34. Then he won again at the age of 74, becoming the oldest governor to serve.
3. Behind a hidden wall beneath the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, there is a secret bunker designed to house the U.S. Congress for 40 days in the event of nuclear war.
4. Weirton is the only city in the country to extend from one state border to another. The western end of Weirton sits on the border of Ohio and the east end sits on the Pennsylvania border. Weirton is located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia.
5. Hallie Davis Elkins holds the honor of being the only woman in U.S. history to be the daughter, wife and mother of United States senators. Pictured below is Hallie's husband, Stephen B. Elkins, who served as a West Virginia senator from 1895 to 1911. The city of Elkins is named after him.
9. West Virginia was a bit indecisive in its choice for state capital. The original capital was Wheeling, until it became Charleston in 1870. Then it became Wheeling again in 1875, then Charleston again in 1885.
Bonus Factoid: West Virginia is named after Elizabeth I of England, commonly known to her people as The Virgin Queen. Elizabeth ruled England from 1533 to 1603.
This is just a sampling of strange and interesting facts about West Virginia. Do you know some facts not mentioned on this list? Feel free to comment below and let us know.
To learn more about West Virginia, check out these strange attractions that will leave you scratching your head.
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