West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Award — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which sector has seen significant growth in West Virginia’s economy in recent years?

Technology and innovation (Correct answer)
Manufacturing
Coal mining
Agriculture

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 2: Which river system drains most of West Virginia and flows into the Ohio River?

New River system
Potomac River system
Kanawha River system (Correct answer)
James River system

Correct answer: Kanawha River system

The Kanawha River and its tributaries drain a large portion of West Virginia before joining the Ohio River at Point Pleasant.

Question 3: What is the Latin phrase that serves as West Virginia's official state motto?

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

Correct answer: Montani Semper Liberi

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

Question 4: The Greenbrier River Trail, one of the longest rail-trails in the eastern US, follows which natural corridor?

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

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 5: West Virginia's highest point, Spruce Knob, reaches approximately what elevation?

4,863 feet (Correct answer)
6,684 feet
3,200 feet
5,400 feet

Correct answer: 4,863 feet

Spruce Knob rises to 4,863 feet above sea level, making it the highest point in West Virginia and the entire Allegheny Mountain range.

Question 6: The Greenbrier, a historic resort in White Sulphur Springs, is known for its distinctive what color décor?

White and green (Correct answer)
Gold and black
Pink and orange
Red, white, and blue

Correct answer: White and green

The Greenbrier resort is famous for its bold, colorful interior design featuring white facades with green accents and vibrant decorative patterns.

Question 7: Which song holds the distinction of being West Virginia's FIRST official state song?

This Is My West Virginia
The West Virginia Hills (Correct answer)
Take Me Home, Country Roads
Almost Heaven, West Virginia

Correct answer: The West Virginia Hills

'The West Virginia Hills,' written by Ellen King and H. E. Engle, was the first song officially designated as a West Virginia state song.

Question 8: West Virginia's Governor is given the power to veto legislation; what percentage of the legislature must vote to override a veto?

Three-fourths majority
Two-thirds (2/3) majority (Correct answer)
Simple majority
Three-fifths majority

Correct answer: Two-thirds (2/3) majority

A two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Delegates and the Senate is required to override a Governor's veto in West Virginia.

Question 9: What is the primary purpose of the West Virginia Development Office?

To enforce tax laws
To promote tourism
To regulate coal mining operations
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 10: Which of these rivers does NOT form part of West Virginia’s borders?

Monongahela River (Correct answer)
Potomac River
Shenandoah 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 11: Dwight Whitney Morrow, a US Senator and diplomat who served as ambassador to Mexico, was born in which West Virginia city?

Huntington (Correct answer)
Beckley
Charleston
Lewisburg

Correct answer: Huntington

Dwight Morrow was born in Huntington, WV, and served as a US Senator from New Jersey and US Ambassador to Mexico in the 1920s.

Question 12: Walter Reuther, born in Wheeling, WV, became one of America's most influential leaders of which type of organization?

Business federation
Labor union movement (Correct answer)
Civil rights organization
Political party

Correct answer: Labor union movement

Walter Reuther was born in Wheeling, WV, and led the United Auto Workers union for decades, becoming one of the most powerful labor leaders in US history.

Question 13: Which flowering plant is the official state flower of West Virginia?

Rhododendron (Correct answer)
Wild Rose
Mountain Laurel
Dogwood

Correct answer: Rhododendron

The Rhododendron is West Virginia's state flower, chosen because it grows abundantly throughout the state's Appalachian mountain regions.

Question 14: What is the highest point in West Virginia?

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

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

The date West Virginia was discovered
The date the state flag was adopted
The date West Virginia became a state (Correct answer)
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 16: Senator Robert C. Byrd, a West Virginia political icon, held what distinction in the US Senate?

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

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 17: West Virginia's own Brad Paisley, a country music superstar and Grammy winner, is from which town?

Wheeling
Parkersburg
Glen Dale (Correct answer)
Moundsville

Correct answer: Glen Dale

Brad Paisley was born and raised in Glen Dale, Marshall County, WV, and has become one of country music's most celebrated guitarists and performers.

Question 18: Which West Virginia state park offers the most developed golf, swimming, and lodge facilities, known as the 'Swiss Alps of West Virginia'?

Watoga State Park
Canaan Valley State Park (Correct answer)
Babcock State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park

Correct answer: Canaan Valley State Park

Canaan Valley State Park, sometimes called the 'Switzerland of West Virginia,' offers skiing, golf, swimming, and resort lodging in a high-altitude valley.

Question 19: 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 20: What is the primary function of a county commission in West Virginia?

Overseeing state educational standards
Regulating federal policies
Enacting state laws
Managing county government operations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Managing county government operations

In West Virginia, a county commission serves as the primary administrative and legislative body for the county government. Its main function is to manage the county's operations, including budgeting, levying taxes, overseeing county services, and enacting local ordinances. This makes them crucial for the day-to-day governance and well-being of the county's residents.

Question 21: What type of soil, formed from ancient marine sediments, makes West Virginia's eastern panhandle suitable for apple orchards?

Clay-heavy bottomland
Limestone-based loam (Correct answer)
Glacial till
Sandy coastal soil

Correct answer: Limestone-based loam

The limestone-derived loam soils of the eastern panhandle, combined with the region's climate, make Berkeley and Jefferson counties ideal for apple production.

Question 22: What is the official state bird of West Virginia?

Cardinal (Correct answer)
Mockingbird
Robin
Blue Jay

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 23: Which river is the longest in West Virginia?

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

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 24: The West Virginia State Capitol building in Charleston is known for having a dome larger than that of which famous national building?

Independence Hall
The US Capitol in Washington, DC (Correct answer)
The Lincoln Memorial
The White House

Correct answer: The US Capitol in Washington, DC

The West Virginia State Capitol's gold dome is 293 feet tall, five feet higher than the US Capitol dome in Washington, DC.

Question 25: What is the name of the document that serves as the supreme law of West Virginia state government?

The West Virginia Constitution (Correct answer)
The Enabling Act
The State Charter
The Mountain Compact

Correct answer: The West Virginia Constitution

The West Virginia Constitution, adopted in 1872, is the fundamental law governing the state, outlining the structure and limits of state government.

Question 26: How are members of a county commission chosen in West Virginia?

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

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

Coal mining (Correct answer)
Technology
Agriculture
Tourism

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 28: What is the primary use of the Summersville Lake reservoir in Nicholas County?

Industrial cooling
Fish farming
Flood control and recreation (Correct answer)
Drinking water only

Correct answer: Flood control and recreation

Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia, was created by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and now also serves as a major recreation area.

Question 29: Kathy Mattea, a Grammy Award-winning country music star, was born in which West Virginia community?

Point Pleasant
Buckhannon
Cross Lanes (Correct answer)
Spencer

Correct answer: Cross Lanes

Kathy Mattea was born in Cross Lanes, WV, and became one of country music's most acclaimed vocalists, winning multiple Grammy Awards.

Question 30: The West Virginia Power baseball team, based in Charleston, is affiliated with which Major League Baseball organization?

Los Angeles Angels (affiliate varies by era) (Correct answer)
Cleveland Guardians
Pittsburgh Pirates
Cincinnati Reds

Correct answer: Los Angeles Angels (affiliate varies by era)

The Charleston-based minor league team has had various MLB affiliations over the years; they have been associated with the LA Angels in recent seasons.

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

28 min

Time Limit

70%

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