West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Award — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Fishing is a major recreational activity in West Virginia; which sport fish is most associated with the state's cold mountain streams?

Catfish
Walleye
Largemouth bass
Trout (brook, brown, and rainbow) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Trout (brook, brown, and rainbow)

Trout fishing in West Virginia's cold, clean mountain streams is world-renowned, with the state stocking brook, brown, and rainbow trout in hundreds of waterways.

Question 2: Which of the following regions is West Virginia part of?

Rocky Mountains
Great Plains
Appalachian Mountains (Correct answer)
Coastal Plains

Correct answer: Appalachian Mountains

West Virginia is almost entirely situated within the Appalachian Mountain range, which is why it's often called the 'Mountain State.' Its rugged topography, characterized by numerous hills, valleys, and ancient mountain formations, is a defining feature of this region. This geographical placement significantly influences the state's climate, culture, and economy.

Question 3: What is the official state insect of West Virginia?

Cricket
Honeybee (Correct answer)
Firefly
Monarch Butterfly

Correct answer: Honeybee

The Honeybee is West Virginia's state insect, recognized for its essential role in pollinating crops and producing honey.

Question 4: How are members of a county commission chosen in West Virginia?

Appointed by the governor
Chosen by a judicial panel
Elected by county residents (Correct answer)
Selected by state legislature

Correct answer: Elected by county residents

Members of a county commission in West Virginia are chosen through popular election by the residents of their respective counties. This democratic process ensures that commissioners are accountable to the local populace they serve. They typically serve staggered terms, providing continuity in county governance.

Question 5: West Virginia's Supreme Court of Appeals has how many justices?

7 justices
5 justices (Correct answer)
3 justices
9 justices

Correct answer: 5 justices

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals consists of five justices who are elected in statewide elections to twelve-year terms.

Question 6: Which region of West Virginia is known for its natural gas production?

Northern Panhandle (Correct answer)
Potomac Highlands
Eastern Panhandle
Southern Coalfields

Correct answer: Northern Panhandle

The Northern Panhandle region of West Virginia is particularly known for its significant natural gas production, largely due to the Marcellus Shale formation. This area has experienced a boom in drilling and extraction activities, making it a key contributor to the state's energy sector. The region's geology makes it ideal for tapping into these abundant reserves.

Question 7: West Virginia is home to a world-class glass industry; which city became famous for hand-blown art glass production?

Morgantown (Correct answer)
Weston
Parkersburg
Huntington

Correct answer: Morgantown

Morgantown became a center of art glass manufacturing, and West Virginia remains one of the top states for handmade glassware.

Question 8: What is the significance of June 20, 1863, in West Virginia history?

The date West Virginia became a state (Correct answer)
The date West Virginia was discovered
The date the state flag was adopted
The date the state constitution was ratified

Correct answer: The date West Virginia became a state

June 20, 1863, is a profoundly significant date in West Virginia history as it marks the day the state officially became part of the Union. During the American Civil War, the western counties of Virginia, differing in their views on slavery and secession from the rest of the state, formed their own government and were admitted as the 35th state. This date is celebrated annually as West Virginia Day.

Question 9: What is the official state bird of West Virginia?

Robin
Mockingbird
Blue Jay
Cardinal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cardinal

The Cardinal is West Virginia's official state bird, recognized by the male's bright red plumage and melodic song found throughout the state.

Question 10: The Greenbrier River Trail, one of the longest rail-trails in the eastern US, follows which natural corridor?

The New River gorge
The Cheat River canyon
The Greenbrier River valley (Correct answer)
The Kanawha River valley

Correct answer: The Greenbrier River valley

The Greenbrier River Trail stretches 78 miles along the Greenbrier River through Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties, built on a former C&O railroad bed.

Question 11: Tamarack, West Virginia's showcase for state crafts and arts, is located near which city on the turnpike?

Beckley (Correct answer)
Logan
Bluefield
Welch

Correct answer: Beckley

Tamarack in Beckley is West Virginia's premier arts and crafts marketplace, selling only West Virginia-made goods from juried artists.

Question 12: Cyrus Vance, who served as US Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter, was born in which West Virginia city?

Welch
Logan
Clarksburg (Correct answer)
Wheeling

Correct answer: Clarksburg

Cyrus Vance was born in Clarksburg, WV, and served as Secretary of State from 1977–1980, resigning over the failed Iran hostage rescue mission.

Question 13: What is a municipality in the context of West Virginia's local government?

A city or town with its own local government (Correct answer)
A federally governed area
A state-run institution
A private corporation

Correct answer: A city or town with its own local government

In West Virginia, a municipality refers to an incorporated city, town, or village that possesses its own distinct local government. These entities are granted charters by the state, enabling them to provide services, enact ordinances, and manage affairs specific to their local populations. This allows for self-governance and tailored public services within defined geographical areas.

Question 14: West Virginia's state animal, the black bear, is most commonly found in which type of habitat?

Dense hardwood and mixed forests (Correct answer)
Coastal marshes
Open grasslands
Desert scrub

Correct answer: Dense hardwood and mixed forests

Black bears thrive in West Virginia's dense hardwood and mixed conifer forests, where they find abundant food and denning sites.

Question 15: What was the main reason for West Virginia's separation from Virginia during the Civil War?

Differences in climate
Economic disagreements
Religious differences
Differing views on slavery and secession (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Differing views on slavery and secession

West Virginia's separation from Virginia during the Civil War was primarily driven by differing views on slavery and secession. The western counties had fewer enslaved people and stronger Unionist sentiments compared to eastern Virginia, which voted to secede from the United States. This fundamental disagreement led the western counties to form a new state loyal to the Union.

Question 16: The Greenbrier Classic was a PGA Tour golf tournament held at which famous West Virginia resort?

The Greenbrier (Correct answer)
Lakeview Resort
Canaan Valley Resort
Oglebay Resort

Correct answer: The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier Classic was a PGA Tour event held at The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, hosted from 2010 through 2018.

Question 17: West Virginia is sometimes called the 'Saudi Arabia of Coal' because it has among the largest reserves of which type of high-quality coal?

Lignite coal
Bituminous coal (Correct answer)
Sub-bituminous coal
Anthracite coal

Correct answer: Bituminous coal

West Virginia holds vast deposits of bituminous coal, which burns hotter and cleaner than lower grades and has driven the state's economy for over a century.

Question 18: How many members serve in the West Virginia Senate?

67 members
50 members
34 members (Correct answer)
40 members

Correct answer: 34 members

The West Virginia Senate has 34 members who serve four-year terms, with elections staggered so roughly half the seats are up every two years.

Question 19: What is the highest point in West Virginia?

Backbone Mountain
Seneca Rocks
Mount Porte Crayon
Spruce Knob (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Spruce Knob

Spruce Knob, located in Pendleton County, is the highest natural point in West Virginia, reaching an elevation of 4,863 feet (1,482 meters). It is part of the Allegheny Mountains and is a prominent feature within the Monongahela National Forest. This peak offers panoramic views and is a popular destination for outdoor activities.

Question 20: Which renewable energy source is rapidly expanding in the Ridge and Valley region of eastern West Virginia due to consistent winds?

Geothermal energy
Wind energy (Correct answer)
Solar energy
Hydroelectric power

Correct answer: Wind energy

The Allegheny Front and other ridges in eastern West Virginia experience consistent winds, making wind farm development viable in the region.

Question 21: Which West Virginia city is known as the "Chemical Capital of the World"?

Charleston (Correct answer)
Wheeling
Huntington
Morgantown

Correct answer: Charleston

Charleston, the capital city of West Virginia, earned the nickname 'Chemical Capital of the World' due to its historical importance in the chemical industry. The Kanawha Valley, where Charleston is situated, became a major hub for chemical manufacturing, particularly for synthetic chemicals, during the 20th century. This industry has been a significant economic driver for the region.

Question 22: West Virginia's state government system is modeled on which foundational principle of American governance?

Direct democracy
Parliamentary democracy
Separation of powers into three branches (Correct answer)
Unicameral legislature

Correct answer: Separation of powers into three branches

West Virginia's government, like all US states, is organized around the principle of separation of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Question 23: Which West Virginia art movement drew painters to capture the state's dramatic mountain landscapes in the 19th century?

Impressionism
Hudson River School influence (Correct answer)
Pop Art
Abstract Expressionism

Correct answer: Hudson River School influence

Artists influenced by the Hudson River School traveled to West Virginia to paint its rugged mountain scenery and river gorges.

Question 24: What are the official state colors of West Virginia?

Red and Blue
Old Gold and Blue (Correct answer)
Blue and White
Green and Gold

Correct answer: Old Gold and Blue

Old Gold and Blue are the official state colors of West Virginia, also prominently displayed by West Virginia University's athletic teams.

Question 25: Which sector has seen significant growth in West Virginia’s economy in recent years?

Technology and innovation (Correct answer)
Agriculture
Coal mining
Manufacturing

Correct answer: Technology and innovation

In recent years, West Virginia has seen significant efforts and growth in the technology and innovation sector, aiming to diversify its economy beyond traditional industries like coal. Initiatives focus on areas like cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and remote work opportunities. This shift is crucial for creating new jobs and a more resilient economic future for the state.

Question 26: Which agricultural product is West Virginia most known for?

Wheat
Tobacco
Apples (Correct answer)
Corn

Correct answer: Apples

West Virginia is particularly known for its apple production, especially in the Eastern Panhandle region. The state's climate and soil conditions are well-suited for growing a variety of apple cultivars. Apple orchards contribute significantly to the state's agricultural economy and are a source of local pride.

Question 27: Marshall University's athletic teams are known by what nickname?

Bisons
Eagles
Thundering Herd (Correct answer)
Mountaineers

Correct answer: Thundering Herd

Marshall University's athletic teams are called the Thundering Herd, a nickname that also inspired the film about the school's 1970 plane crash survivors.

Question 28: John Forbes Nash Jr., whose life inspired the film 'A Beautiful Mind,' attended which West Virginia university before Princeton?

Marshall University
Shepherd University
West Virginia University (Correct answer)
Carnegie Institute of Technology (attended for a term)

Correct answer: West Virginia University

John Nash, from Bluefield, WV, briefly attended West Virginia University before transferring to Carnegie Institute of Technology and then earning his PhD at Princeton.

Question 29: Anna Jarvis, who campaigned to create Mother's Day as a national holiday, was from which West Virginia county?

Taylor County (Grafton) (Correct answer)
Ohio County
Kanawha County
Wood County

Correct answer: Taylor County (Grafton)

Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother's Day observance in Grafton, Taylor County, WV, in 1908, honoring her own mother at Andrews Methodist Church.

Question 30: West Virginia's forests cover approximately what percentage of the state's land area?

About 90%
About 78% (Correct answer)
About 55%
About 40%

Correct answer: About 78%

Approximately 78% of West Virginia is forested, making it one of the most heavily forested states in the eastern United States.

Question 31: Which of these rivers does NOT form part of West Virginia’s borders?

Monongahela River (Correct answer)
Shenandoah River
Potomac River
Ohio River

Correct answer: Monongahela River

The Monongahela River flows northward through West Virginia and Pennsylvania but does not form any part of West Virginia's state borders. In contrast, the Ohio River defines the state's western border, and the Potomac River forms a significant portion of its northern and eastern boundaries. The Shenandoah River, while important regionally, also does not delineate a state border for West Virginia.

Question 32: Which river is the longest in West Virginia?

Kanawha River (Correct answer)
Potomac River
Ohio River
Guyandotte River

Correct answer: Kanawha River

The Kanawha River is recognized as the longest river that flows entirely within the state of West Virginia. While other rivers like the Ohio and Potomac are longer overall, they only form parts of the state's borders. The Kanawha is a significant waterway formed by the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers.

Question 33: The Hatfield-McCoy Trail system in southern West Virginia is designed primarily for which recreational activity?

Hiking only
Horseback riding only
ATV and off-road motorized riding (Correct answer)
Road cycling

Correct answer: ATV and off-road motorized riding

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail system offers over 700 miles of trails for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles across six southern WV counties.

Question 34: What is the Latin phrase that serves as West Virginia's official state motto?

Libertas et Virtus
Semper Fidelis
Montani Semper Liberi (Correct answer)
Dum Spiro Spero

Correct answer: Montani Semper Liberi

'Montani Semper Liberi,' meaning 'Mountaineers Are Always Free,' is the official state motto adopted by West Virginia.

Question 35: Soupy Sales, the comedian and TV host famous for pie-in-the-face gags, was born in which West Virginia city?

Huntington
Wheeling
Logan
Frankfort (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Frankfort

Soupy Sales was born Milton Supman in Frankfort, WV, and became famous for his children's TV show featuring slapstick comedy and pie-throwing.

Question 36: Bridge Day, held annually at the New River Gorge Bridge, is famous for what extreme activity?

Bungee jumping only
Zip-lining across the gorge
BASE jumping and rappelling (Correct answer)
Hang gliding from the bridge

Correct answer: BASE jumping and rappelling

Bridge Day is one of the few days when BASE jumpers legally parachute off the New River Gorge Bridge, along with rappellers descending the structure.

Question 37: Which West Virginia storytelling tradition involves passing down tales of mountain spirits and folklore?

Native fables
Tall tales only
Jack Tales (Correct answer)
Colonial legends

Correct answer: Jack Tales

Jack Tales are traditional Appalachian folk stories featuring a clever hero named Jack, preserved in West Virginia's oral storytelling heritage.

Question 38: Which industry has historically been the most significant to West Virginia’s economy?

Coal mining (Correct answer)
Agriculture
Tourism
Technology

Correct answer: Coal mining

Coal mining has historically been the most significant industry to West Virginia's economy, profoundly shaping its development, culture, and demographics. The state's vast coal reserves led to a booming industry that provided jobs and energy for the nation for over a century. Despite recent declines, its legacy remains deeply embedded in the state's identity.

Question 39: West Virginia sends how many representatives to the US House of Representatives as of the 2020 census?

3 representatives
2 representatives (Correct answer)
4 representatives
5 representatives

Correct answer: 2 representatives

Following population decline reflected in the 2020 census, West Virginia was reduced to 2 congressional districts and 2 US House representatives.

Question 40: What is the primary purpose of the West Virginia Development Office?

To regulate coal mining operations
To promote tourism
To enforce tax laws
To attract and retain businesses in the state (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To attract and retain businesses in the state

The West Virginia Development Office (now part of the Department of Economic Development) has the primary purpose of fostering economic growth by attracting new businesses to the state and helping existing ones expand. This involves promoting West Virginia's advantages, offering incentives, and supporting job creation. Its goal is to diversify and strengthen the state's economy.

Question 41: Senator Robert C. Byrd, a West Virginia political icon, held what distinction in the US Senate?

First senator to oppose Vietnam War
Longest-serving US Senator in history (Correct answer)
Only senator to serve as President Pro Tempore
First senator from WV

Correct answer: Longest-serving US Senator in history

Robert C. Byrd served in the US Senate for 51 years, making him the longest-serving senator in American history at his death in 2010.

Question 42: Which body of the West Virginia Legislature is responsible for initiating revenue bills (tax legislation)?

The Governor's office
State Senate
House of Delegates (Correct answer)
Either chamber equally

Correct answer: House of Delegates

Like the US Congress, West Virginia's constitution requires that all revenue bills originate in the lower chamber, the House of Delegates.

Question 43: The Augusta Heritage Center, which preserves traditional Appalachian arts, is located at which West Virginia college?

West Virginia University
Shepherd University
Marshall University
Davis & Elkins College (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Davis & Elkins College

The Augusta Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins is nationally recognized for teaching traditional Appalachian music, dance, and crafts.

Question 44: Which apple variety, first cultivated in West Virginia, is the official state fruit?

Golden Delicious Apple (Correct answer)
Fuji Apple
Red Delicious Apple
Granny Smith Apple

Correct answer: Golden Delicious Apple

The Golden Delicious Apple is West Virginia's state fruit, first discovered growing on a farm in Clay County, WV, around the year 1900.

Question 45: West Virginia is divided into how many counties?

50 counties
60 counties
55 counties (Correct answer)
48 counties

Correct answer: 55 counties

West Virginia has 55 counties, ranging in size from small Wirt County to large Randolph County, each with its own county seat.

Question 46: Rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, in Pendleton County, is unique because the formation consists of what type of distinctive rock?

Limestone towers
Granite domes
Quartzite fins rising nearly vertically (Correct answer)
Sandstone arches

Correct answer: Quartzite fins rising nearly vertically

Seneca Rocks is composed of Tuscarora quartzite, forming dramatic near-vertical fins that rise 900 feet above the valley floor and attract climbers nationwide.

Question 47: The West Virginia Governor serves a term of how many years and is limited to how many consecutive terms?

4 years, unlimited terms
4 years, 2 consecutive terms (Correct answer)
2 years, 3 terms
6 years, 1 term

Correct answer: 4 years, 2 consecutive terms

The Governor of West Virginia serves a four-year term and is constitutionally limited to two consecutive terms, though non-consecutive additional terms are allowed.

Question 48: What is the official state fish of West Virginia?

Rainbow Trout
Largemouth Bass
Brook Trout (Correct answer)
Channel Catfish

Correct answer: Brook Trout

The Brook Trout is West Virginia's state fish, native to the clear, cold, fast-moving mountain streams found throughout the state.

Question 49: Hunting is a major tradition in West Virginia; which animal's season in November draws hunters from across the eastern US?

White-tailed deer (Correct answer)
Wild turkey
Pheasant
Black bear

Correct answer: White-tailed deer

White-tailed deer hunting season in November is a major cultural and economic event in West Virginia, with the state having one of the highest deer populations in the region.

Question 50: What is the term length for members of the West Virginia House of Delegates?

3 years
4 years
2 years (Correct answer)
6 years

Correct answer: 2 years

Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates serve two-year terms, with all 100 seats up for election every two years.

West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Award

The West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Award is an academic competition for 8th grade students that tests comprehensive knowledge of West Virginia history, geography, civics and government, culture, geology, economy, and tourism. Winners are the top scorers in each county.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

70%

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