Question 1

Appalachian Mountain Geography

Accepted Answer

Refers to the characteristics of the Appalachian Mountain range, which spans multiple states, including West Virginia. Includes understanding of local flora, fauna, and topography.

Question 2

Deindustrialization in West Virginia

Accepted Answer

Process of social and economic change caused by the reduction of industrial capacity, especially in coal and steel industry. Impacts on local communities and economy.

Question 3

John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry

Accepted Answer

A failed attempt by the abolitionist John Brown in 1859 to start an armed slave revolt by seizing a United States Arsenal at Harper's Ferry in West Virginia.

Question 4

Kanawha River Valley

Accepted Answer

An important industrial and commercial region in West Virginia. It's geography, historical significance, and current influence.

Question 5

Matewan Massacre

Accepted Answer

A violent labor conflict in 1920 in the town of Matewan, West Virginia, between coal miners and coal companies, resulting in several deaths.

Question 6

Hawks Nest Tunnel Disaster

Accepted Answer

The 1931 industrial catastrophe during the construction of the Hawks Nest Tunnel in West Virginia, where many workers died due to silicosis.

Question 7

New River Gorge Bridge

Accepted Answer

A significant engineering feat, once the world's largest single-span arch bridge.

Question 8

Monongah Mining Disaster

Accepted Answer

A major coal mine explosion that occurred on December 6, 1907 in Monongah, West Virginia. It remains the worst mining disaster in American history.

Question 9

West Virginia State Constitution

Accepted Answer

The foundational document of West Virginia's government, includes understanding of key articles and amendments.

Question 10

Hatfield-McCoy Feud

Accepted Answer

A family feud from 1863 to 1891 in West Virginia and Kentucky that has become part of American folklore.

Question 11

Golden Delicious Apple

Accepted Answer

State fruit of West Virginia, its cultural and economic significance.

Question 12

West Virginia Coal Mining

Accepted Answer

The role, impact, and challenges of coal mining in the state's history and current economy.

Question 13

Rhododendron

Accepted Answer

The state flower of West Virginia, its cultural significance and botanical properties.

Question 14

Sharyn McCrumb's Ballad Novels

Accepted Answer

A series of Appalachian “ballad” novels that illuminate the history and folklore of West Virginia.

Question 15

Mountaineer

Accepted Answer

The state nickname and mascot of West Virginia University, its cultural significance.

Question 16

Logging Industry in West Virginia

Accepted Answer

Importance of timber and logging industry in the state's economy and its environmental impact.

Question 17

Black Bear

Accepted Answer

State animal of West Virginia, its ecology, habitat, and importance in state's biodiversity.

Question 18

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Accepted Answer

The significance of this transportation route for trade and development in West Virginia's history.

Question 19

Appalachian Folk Music

Accepted Answer

Its influence on West Virginia's culture, including songs, instruments, and key musicians.

Question 20

West Virginia's Role in the Civil War

Accepted Answer

The state's split from Virginia, key battles, and its overall impact on the war.

Question 21

The Greenbrier

Accepted Answer

A historic luxury resort in the state and its significance in West Virginia's tourism industry.

Question 22

Seneca Rocks

Accepted Answer

A large crag and local landmark in West Virginia; its geological and tourism significance.

Question 23

Marcellus Shale

Accepted Answer

A large source of natural gas in West Virginia; the economic, environmental, and societal impacts of its extraction.

Question 24

"Take Me Home, Country Roads"

Accepted Answer

The song by John Denver that has been strongly associated with West Virginia, its cultural significance.

Question 25

Chemical Industry in West Virginia

Accepted Answer

The impact of chemical manufacturing on the state's economy and environment.

Question 26

Seneca Caverns

Accepted Answer

An extensive system of caverns in Riverton, West Virginia, and their significance for tourism and geology.

Question 27

The Mothman of Point Pleasant

Accepted Answer

A piece of modern West Virginia folklore that has become a significant part of the state's cultural identity.

Question 28

West Virginia Glass Industry

Accepted Answer

The history and impact of the glass industry, including companies like Blenko and Fenton.

Question 29

Spruce Knob

Accepted Answer

The highest point in West Virginia, its geographical characteristics and significance.

Question 30

New Deal Programs in West Virginia

Accepted Answer

The impact of New Deal policies and programs in the state during the Great Depression.

Question 31

West Virginia State Capitol

Accepted Answer

The architectural and historical significance of the building, and its role as the seat of the state government.

Question 32

George Washington National Forest

Accepted Answer

Its biodiversity, recreational opportunities, and importance for conservation in West Virginia.

Question 33

Wheeling Convention

Accepted Answer

The 1861 meeting in which the northwestern counties of Virginia decided to break away and form the state of West Virginia.

Question 34

West Virginia in the World Wars

Accepted Answer

The role and contributions of West Virginia and its citizens during World War I and II.

Question 35

The West Virginia State Museum

Accepted Answer

The collection and exhibits that showcase the state's history and culture.

Question 36

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank

Accepted Answer

The world's largest fully steerable radio telescope and its contribution to astronomy.

Question 37

West Virginia's Statehood

Accepted Answer

The history and circumstances surrounding West Virginia becoming the 35th state of the US in 1863.

Question 38

Mountain Stage

Accepted Answer

A live music radio show produced in West Virginia and its influence on promoting folk and roots music.

Question 39

Huntington-Charleston Metropolitan Area

Accepted Answer

The largest urban area in West Virginia, its demographics, economic sectors, and cultural contributions.

Question 40

Appalachian Stereotypes

Accepted Answer

Understanding of how stereotypes have affected perceptions of West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.

Question 41

West Virginia's Role in the Opioid Crisis

Accepted Answer

The impact of opioid misuse on communities, public health, and policy in the state.

Question 42

Appalachian English

Accepted Answer

The dialect of English spoken in West Virginia and its sociolinguistic significance.

Question 43

The Great Appalachian Valley

Accepted Answer

An important geographical feature that runs through West Virginia, its geological history, and impact on human settlement.

Question 44

The Battle of Blair Mountain

Accepted Answer

The largest labor uprising in U.S. history and the largest armed uprising since the Civil War, which took place in West Virginia in 1921.

Question 45

Cheat Mountain

Accepted Answer

Its significance in West Virginia's geography, including its flora, fauna, and role in the American Civil War.

Question 46

Indigenous Tribes of West Virginia

Accepted Answer

Understanding the cultures, histories, and current presence of native tribes like the Cherokee and Shawnee in West Virginia.

Advanced Concepts for the West Virginia Praxis Content Knowledge Test