Charleston

About this city

Also known as: Chemical Valley

Charleston is the capital and largest city of West Virginia, situated dynamically at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers. Its history tracks from early salt manufacturing and coal booms to becoming the permanent center of state political and economic power. Featuring a stately, gold-domed capitol building and a thriving riverfront downtown district, the city acts as the primary cultural, corporate, and artistic epicenter for the entire state.