West Virginia has a rich history as a member of the United States of America and takes its name from Queen Elizabeth of England who was also known as the Virgin Queen during her life time. First admitted to the the country as the 35th state in 1863, West Virginia formed after separating from Virginia and joining The Union rather than staying with Virginia in The Confederacy. The Civil War created several notable figures including general Thomas Stonewall Jackson who served for The Confederacy. Modern day West Virginia includes many landmarks and tourist destinations including the Meadow and Gauley rivers. In addition, the coal country area is a popular way people look back on the history of West Virginias once thriving coal mining culture. Annual rain fall in the state varies between 32