Charleston Travel Guide, West Virginia

Charleston, WV US - Overview: Famous Dugout for Salt Production

Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, is located at the meeting point of Kanawha and Elk River. It is also Kanawha’s County seat. The word ‘Kanawha’ is derived from Arawak, which means dugout. In fact, the first county structure, which was constructed here, was a jail. Salt, gas and coal were the first industries to have stepped in the city. It was only in 1788 that the first permanent settlement was built.

The Yeager Airport, West Virginia Power, University of Charleston and Minor League Baseball are all housed in Charleston.

Industrial growth

It was in 1806 when the drilling of the first salt well was started in Charleston. It was over by the next year and proved to be a boom for the economic growth of the city. Kanawha Saline’s, which lies adjacent to Charleston, later became the largest salt producer. A decade later, the first gas well was established. Two years later, coal was discovered in the region and very soon, it became the primary fuel for both industries and households. The declining demand for salt received a boost after the First World War, which pushed it up to make chemical products.

Location and Climate

The city of Charleston captures an area of 33 square miles of which 98% is land. It is situated southeast of Ohio and West of Richmond. The climate is divided into four seasons with a quite high average temperature. Spring brings a lot of variations in temperature. Summers are very hot, but winters are mild and comfortable for its inhabitants.

Population

The population of Charleston is about 54,000 of which 40% are households. The races, which constitute the city, are White, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander and African American and contribute to a mix culture in the city.

Art & Culture

The city hosts many fairs and events, which keep the city always in a happening mood. The most famous of these is the West Virginia Dance Festival. People of the city have great fascinations for music and movies. The West Virginia International Film Festival is quite popular in the city, where all types of movies are shown. The Band Festival, held in the month of September at the University of Charleston stadium, also gets a considerable crowd of music enthusiasts.

Be a part of this famous dugout for salt production and enjoy the culture it has to offer you!

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• A Walk in Cato Park
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  For a peaceful but also an entertaining retreat from the city, Cato Park is the best place to go. It not only includes picnic areas but a huge golf course, tennis courts and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Going to the pool just makes...
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  travel tip by lethamartin posted more then 30 days ago
  Houston freeways are great. Just pop into downtown have fun and your back to your own bed in notime.

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