9 Quirky Facts About West Virginia That Sound Made Up but Are True

It is easy to find things to love about West Virginia—our scenery, our people, our attractions. But there is also SO MUCH to know about our beloved Mountain State ... so much history. So much beauty. So much tragedy. So much significance. Below are just nine quirky facts about West Virginia that sound hard to believe but are absolutely true (at least as far as we can tell)! How many of these fun facts about West Virginia have you heard before?

1. Mother's Day originated in West Virginia.

The first Mother’s Day service, organized by West Virginian Anna Jarvis to honor her own mother and all mothers, took place in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia, at St. Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, it is the International Mother's Day Shrine, a National Historic Landmark.

2. So did Father's Day.

The first Father's Day celebration in America occurred in Fairmont, West Virginia, in honor of the 250 fathers who died in the horrific Monongah Mining Disaster. This tragedy left 1,000 children fatherless.

3. The very first Golden Delicious apple was discovered on a farm in Clay County.

The very first Golden Delicious apple tree was discovered growing in Clay County in 1912. It was acquired by Stark Brothers Nursery, and the rest is history. On February 20, 1995, the Golden Delicious was named as the official state fruit of West Virginia, and each fall, you can attend the Golden Delicious Festival in Clay County.

4. The founder of Black History Month worked in a New River Gorge coal mine.

His name was Carter G. Woodson, and he attended high school in Huntington, West Virginia, but he was forced to work in the mines for a few years first. After high school, Woodson went on to teach at West Virginia Collegiate Institute, now West Virginia State University.

5. West Virginia is roughly the same size as the entire country of Latvia.

In fact, West Virginia is often referenced when giving Americans an idea of the size of this European country.

6. The highest bridge in the United States Interstate Highway system is a 10-minute drive from the longest single-span arched bridge in the United States, and both are in West Virginia.

The highest interstate bridge is the Phil G. McDonald Bridge that carries I-64 over Glade Creek near Beckley, West Virginia. The single-span arched bridge, otherwise known as the New River Gorge Bridge, carries U.S. Route 19 across the New River.

7. West Virginia only has one natural lake, and it's slowly disappearing.

The lake is called Trout Pond, and it's located near Wardensville, West Virginia, in the Trout Pond Recreation Area. This is a delightful summer day trip destination, with a sandy beach to play on, cool water to splash in, and even nearby trails for exploring. Just as the name suggests, Trout Pond is home to native Brook Trout. Learn more, including current day-use fee prices, on the National Forest Service website.

8. Once upon a time, Jesse James's gang robbed a bank in West Virginia.

Although Jesse James himself wasn't there (at least as far as we know) when the Huntington Bank was robbed in September of 1875, four members of his gang were, including his brother Frank.

9. The world's largest teapot stands tall and proud in West Virginia.

It's 12 feet high, 44 feet wide, and perched along U.S. 30 near the Chester, West Virginia, exit ramp. It's a roadside attraction you don't want to drive by.

And there you have it—now you are ready to win West Virginia trivia nights! Of course, nine facts aren't very many when you think about it. For even more interesting facts about WV, check out these crazy laws that will certainly leave you scratching your head. And, of course, if you love the Mountain State as much as we do, make sure to check out some of our favorite hidden gems and even our favorite road trips so you can get out and explore—there truly is so much to love here.