The West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Contest--Experimental

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The West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Contest is an annual event that recognizes eighth-grade students for their knowledge of West Virginia history and culture. The contest was first held in 1931 and is the longest-running program of its kind in the country.

To be eligible for the contest, students must take a written test that covers a wide range of topics, including West Virginia history, government, geography, and culture. The top-scoring students in each county are then invited to participate in a state-level competition.

The state-level competition is held in Charleston, the capital of West Virginia. The students compete in a variety of events, including a quiz bowl, a spelling bee, and an essay contest. The top-scoring students in the state-level competition are then inducted into the Golden Horseshoe Society.

The Golden Horseshoe Society is a prestigious organization that honors students for their academic achievements and their commitment to learning about West Virginia history and culture. The society's members are known as "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe."

Here is a sample test question from the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Contest:

    Which of the following is NOT a major river in West Virginia?

    (A) Ohio River
    (B) Kanawha River
    (C) Potomac River
    (D) Mississippi River

The answer is (D). The Mississippi River does not flow through West Virginia.

If you are interested in learning more about the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Contest, you can visit the website of the West Virginia Department of Education. 

 

2023 Ceremony

Video History of West Virginia

 

Historical Background

 West Virginia is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered by Maryland and Virginia to the east, Kentucky to the south, and Ohio to the north and west. West Virginia is known for its mountainous terrain, numerous and vast river valleys, and rich natural resources. These were all factors driving its economy and the lifestyles of its residents, who tended to live in many small, relatively isolated communities in the mountain valleys.

Prehistory

The first humans arrived in what is now West Virginia around 13,000 years ago. The earliest known inhabitants were the Adena people, who built large mounds and earthworks. The Adena were succeeded by the Hopewell people, who continued to build mounds and also created elaborate pottery and other artifacts. The Hopewell disappeared around 400 AD, and the area was then inhabited by a variety of different tribes, including the Shawnee, Mingo, and Cherokee.

European Exploration

The first European to explore what is now West Virginia was the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524. Verrazzano sailed up the Atlantic coast and into the Chesapeake Bay, where he may have explored some of the rivers that flow through West Virginia. However, it was not until the early 1700s that Europeans began to settle in the region.

The first permanent European settlement in West Virginia was established in 1731 at Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry was located at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, and it quickly became a major transportation hub. In the 1750s and 1760s, the French and Indian War was fought over control of the Ohio Valley. The British were victorious in the war, and they gained control of all of the land west of the Appalachian Mountains, including West Virginia.

American Revolution

During the American Revolution, the people of West Virginia were divided in their loyalties. Some supported the American Revolution, while others supported the British Crown. However, the majority of West Virginians eventually sided with the Americans. West Virginia was one of the original thirteen colonies, and it played an important role in the war.

Statehood

In 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America. However, the people of western Virginia were largely opposed to secession, and they formed a new government that remained loyal to the Union. In 1863, West Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 35th state.

Civil War

West Virginia played an important role in the Civil War. The state was home to several important battles, including the Battle of Rich Mountain and the Battle of Carnifex Ferry. West Virginia also provided the Union with valuable resources, such as coal and iron.

Reconstruction

After the Civil War, West Virginia entered a period of Reconstruction. The state's new government worked to rebuild the economy and to create a more just society for all of its citizens. However, Reconstruction was a difficult period for West Virginia, and the state did not fully recover from the war until the late 19th century.

Industrialization

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, West Virginia underwent a period of rapid industrialization. The state's abundant coal and timber resources attracted businesses from all over the country. West Virginia became a major producer of coal, lumber, and iron. However, industrialization also brought negative consequences, such as pollution and environmental damage.

Great Depression

The Great Depression hit West Virginia hard. The state's economy was heavily dependent on coal, and the demand for coal plummeted during the Depression. As a result, many West Virginians lost their jobs and their homes.

World War II

During World War II, West Virginia played an important role in the war effort. The state's coal and steel industries produced essential materials for the war effort. West Virginia also provided thousands of soldiers to the war effort.

Post-World War II

After World War II, West Virginia continued to industrialize. However, the state's economy began to decline in the late 20th century. The coal industry declined due to increased competition from other energy sources, and the timber industry declined due to overlogging. As a result, West Virginia lost many jobs and its population declined.

Recent History

In recent years, West Virginia has been working to diversify its economy. The state has attracted new businesses in the technology and tourism industries. West Virginia has also invested in education and infrastructure in an effort to improve its quality of life.

Culture

West Virginia

Sources

1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Virginia

 Test 

 
Multiple Choice

    Which of the following was the first European to explore West Virginia?
    (a) Giovanni da Verrazzano
    (b) Christopher Columbus
    (c) Henry Hudson
    (d) John Smith

    Which of the following was a major transportation hub in West Virginia during the 18th century?
    (a) Harpers Ferry
    (b) Wheeling
    (c) Charleston
    (d) Martinsburg

    Which of the following was a major battle fought in West Virginia during the Civil War?
    (a) Battle of Rich Mountain
    (b) Battle of Carnifex Ferry
    (c) Battle of Antietam
    (d) Battle of Gettysburg

    Which of the following was a major industry in West Virginia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
    (a) Coal mining
    (b) Timber logging
    (c) Steel production
    (d) All of the above

    Which of the following was a major challenge facing West Virginia during the Great Depression?
    (a) High unemployment
    (b) Poverty
    (c) Hunger
    (d) All of the above

    Which of the following is a popular traditional folk music genre in West Virginia?
    (a) Bluegrass
    (b) Appalachian old-time music
    (c) Country music
    (d) All of the above

    Which of the following is a popular festival in West Virginia?
    (a) Appalachian Spring Festival
    (b) Mountain State Forest Festival
    (c) Jamboree in the Hills
    (d) All of the above

    Which of the following is a traditional West Virginia food?
    (a) Pepperoni rolls
    (b) Ramp burgers
    (c) Squirrel stew
    (d) All of the above

True/False

    West Virginia was one of the original thirteen colonies. (True)
    West Virginia seceded from the Union during the Civil War. (False)
    West Virginia's economy is heavily dependent on coal mining. (True)
    West Virginia is known for its mountainous terrain. (True)
    West Virginia is home to a number of traditional folk music genres. (True)

Matching

Match the following people with their accomplishments:

    Giovanni da Verrazzano
    John Smith
    George Washington
    Stonewall Jackson

(a) Explored the Chesapeake Bay
(b) Founded the colony of Virginia
(C) Led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution
(d) Led the Confederate Army to victory at the First Battle of Bull Run

Short Answer

    Explain the significance of the Battle of Rich Mountain in the Civil War.
    Describe the impact of the Great Depression on West Virginia's economy.
    Discuss the challenges facing West Virginia in the 21st century.

Answers

Multiple Choice

    (a)
    (a)
    (a)
    (d)
    (d)
    (d)
    (d)
    (d)

True/False

    True
    False
    True
    True
    True

Matching

(a) Giovanni da Verrazzano
(b) John Smith
(C) George Washington
(d) Stonewall Jackson

Short Answer

    The Battle of Rich Mountain was a significant victory for the Union early in the Civil War. It helped to secure the state of West Virginia for the Union

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is NOT one of the original counties of West Virginia?

   • A. Barbour
   • B. Hampshire
   • C. Monroe
   • D. Jefferson

2. What was the name of the battle that took place at Philippi, West Virginia, in 1861?

   • A. First Battle of Philippi
   • B. Second Battle of Philippi
   • C. Battle of Rich Mountain
   • D. Battle of Carnifex Ferry

3. Who was the first governor of West Virginia?

   • A. Arthur I. Boreman
   • B. Henry Mason Mathews
   • C. Francis H. Pierpont
   • D. Jacob Beeson Blair

4. What is the state capital of West Virginia?

   • A. Charleston
   • B. Wheeling
   • C. Huntington
   • D. Parkersburg

5. What is the nickname of West Virginia?

   • A. The Mountain State
   • B. The Panhandle State
   • C. The Coal State
   • D. All of the above

6. Which of the following is NOT a major industry in West Virginia?

   • A. Coal mining
   • B. Tourism
   • C. Agriculture
   • D. Manufacturing

7. What is the name of the highest point in West Virginia?

   • A. Spruce Knob
   • B. Hawks Nest
   • C. Seneca Rocks
   • D. Dolly Sods

8. Which of the following is NOT a major river in West Virginia?

   • A. Ohio River
   • B. Kanawha River
   • C. Potomac River
   • D. James River

9. What is the name of the state bird of West Virginia?

   • A. Cardinal
   • B. Blue Jay
   • C. Robin
   • D. Goldfinch

10. What is the name of the state tree of West Virginia?

    • A. Sugar Maple
    • B. Red Spruce
    • C. White Oak
    • D. Hemlock

True/False

11. West Virginia was the first state to secede from the Union during the Civil War. (False)
12. West Virginia is home to the world's largest radio telescope. (True)
13. West Virginia is the birthplace of Mothman. (True)
14. West Virginia is home to the largest coal reserves in the United States. (True)
15. West Virginia is the birthplace of country music. (True)

Fill in the Blank

16. The Battle of Carnifex Ferry was fought in _____. (1861)
17. The John Brown Raid took place at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in _____. (1859)
18. The state flower of West Virginia is the _____. (Rhododendron)
19. The state song of West Virginia is "____." ("Country Roads")
20. The state motto of West Virginia is "____." ("Montani Semper Liberi" or "Mountaineers are Always Free")

Short Answer

21. What were the main causes of the West Virginia Civil War?
22. What were the major battles fought in West Virginia during the Civil War?
23. What were the main industries in West Virginia during the 19th and 20th centuries?
24. What are some of the major challenges facing West Virginia today?
25. What are some of the things that make West Virginia a unique and special state?

Essay

26. Choose one of the following topics and write a short essay about it:
    • The history of West Virginia's coal industry
    • The impact of the Civil War on West Virginia
    • The life and legacy of Arthur I. Boreman
    • The importance of tourism to West Virginia's economy
    • The challenges and opportunities facing West Virginia in the 21st century

Multiple Choice

28. What was the name of the Native American tribe that originally inhabited West Virginia?

    • A. Cherokee
    • B. Shawnee
    • C. Mingo
    • D. All of the above

29. What is the name of the West Virginia park that is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, the world's longest single-span arch bridge?

    • A. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    • B. Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
    • C. Cacapon Resort State Park
    • D. Blackwater Falls State Park

30. What is the name of the West Virginia university that is home to the Mountaineers, the state's NCAA Division I college football team?

    • A. West Virginia University
    • B. Marshall University
    • C. Fairmont State University
    • D. Shepherd University

31. What is the name of the West Virginia museum that is home to the state's largest collection of historical artifacts?

    • A. West Virginia State Museum
    • B. West Virginia Culture Center
    • C. Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
    • D. Mothman Museum

32. What is the name of the West Virginia author who wrote the classic novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"?

    • A. Mark Twain
    • B. Bret Harte
    • C. Jack London
    • D. O. Henry

True/False

33. West Virginia is the only state in the United States that was formed during the Civil War. (True)
34. West Virginia is home to the oldest state park in the United States. (True)
35. West Virginia is the birthplace of the Appalachian Trail. (True)
36. West Virginia is home to the largest national forest east of the Mississippi River. (True)
37. West Virginia is the birthplace of the pepperoni roll. (True)

Fill in the Blank

38. The Mountain State Forest Festival is held annually in _____. (Elkins)
39. The Greenbrier Hotel is located in _____. (White Sulphur Springs)
40. The Mothman Museum is located in _____. (Point Pleasant)
41. The West Virginia University Mountaineers play their home football games at _____. (Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium)
42. The state capitol building of West Virginia is located in _____. (Charleston)

Short Answer

43. What were the main causes of the John Brown Raid?
44. What was the significance of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry?
45. What were the main contributions of Arthur I. Boreman to the state of West Virginia?
46. What are some of the major tourist attractions in West Virginia?
47. What are some of the ways that West Virginia is working to diversify its economy?

Essay

48. Choose one of the following topics and write a short essay about it:
    • The impact of the coal industry on West Virginia's environment
    • The role of West Virginia in the Underground Railroad
    • The contributions of African Americans to West Virginia history
    • The importance of music and culture to West Virginians
    • The future of West Virginia 

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Here are some historical sites in West Virginia:

49. Grave Creek Mound Historical Site: 2,000-year-old burial mound created by prehistoric people, plus an interpretive museum. It is located at 801 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041, USA. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps.
50. Hinton Historic District: This historic district is located at 300 2nd Ave, Hinton, WV 25951, USA. It has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps.
51. West Virginia State Museum: Renovated museum with art & exhibitions celebrating West Virginia's history & culture. It is located at 1900 Kanawha Blvd E #435, Charleston, WV 25305, USA. It has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps.
52. Bulltown Historic Area: This historic area is located at 1 Burnsville Lake Rd, Burnsville, WV 26335, USA. It has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps.
53. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park: Historical museum featuring a mansion plus picnic areas, carriage rides & other activities. It is located at 137 Juliana Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101, USA. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps.

54.