Charleston, West Virginia: This City Is Dying 

I've lived my entire 58 years in WV, the last 37 in the Charleston area. I felt you gave a fair and accurate description of the city. It is declining like most other rust belt cities for the past 60 plus years. Like Detroit, WV was and still is to a certain degree too heavily dependent on one industry, coal. West Virginia had over 100,000 miners in 1960, in 2020 that number was just over 11,400. One would think that the state still has that peak number of miners, by the outsized role coal plays in state politics. Politicians continue to cater to the industry like it is still 1960. Its why the state continues a slow death. It had the largest population decline in the country in 2020, over 3%. But state leaders keep waiting on another coal boom, that probably isn't coming. And BTW, I am not anti coal. I am am anti-mountaintop removal though. I grew up in Logan County, in a mining family. When I mentioned Detroit earlier, it's when you get into the more rural areas of WV. Especially Logan, Mingo, Wyoming and McDowell counties. It looks like a rural version of Detroit full of abandoned and dilapidated houses and towns. The only growing areas of the state are the far eastern panhandle (DC Area) and around WVU in Morgantown. I hope to retire and put WV behind me in a few years.

Stopped in Charleston a few years ago while returning from a vacation looking for an urgent care for my sick daughter. Even though it was closing time the staff and doctor took great care of my daughter and even made arrangements with a late night pharmacy to get us her prescriptions. We found the most caring people in the world in Charleston, West Virginia!

I was born here in West Virginia not far from Charleston and grew up here. It's my senior year at high school and a lot of people in my graduating class is talking about leaving to another state. I want to be a part of the generation that helps West Virginia. I went to Charleston a lot growing up for doctor visits and I never noticed anything strange about how little people there are here because that's all I've known. I've never thought of West Virginia as a poor state because I've never really given it much thought at all. I think that most people that live here will agree that there is something here that just makes you feel at home and that thing for me is my family and the hills here. Thanks for reviewing this beautiful state and I wish you safe travels to your next one.

Back in 1973, I turned 18 yrs old and could not wait to leave Charleston. So I joined the Marine Corps and saw the world. 1977, I finished my 4 yrs in the Marine Corps. After seeing the World, I could not WAIT to return to Charleston,West Virginia

My parents are from West Virginia and I spent many happy summers there with my mom’s family in Eskdale and Cabin Creek. This was in the 60’s and 70’s . I love WVa, and always will.

Some of us who live in West Virginia, like the fact that there's less people here. It's part of it's charm.

As a foreigner it's strange to see such a big city largely empty sad to see a city with some beautiful architecture dying

I always tend to root for cities like Charleston to make a comeback. They have an absolutely beautiful downtown, with a good mix of stunning historic buildings and cool-looking "modern" buildings.

I see so much potential in that downtown! I didn’t expect it to have so many beautiful buildings, and I definitely didn’t expect it to be so walkable. Very clean, too. I think a renaissance could be in its future if West Virginia is able to modernize its economy, and if it’s placed in the right hands.

I started my career as a chemical engineer there in 1975. There were so many chemical companies in Charleston, Union Carbide, DuPont, FMC, Monsanto. The city was the chemical center if the world before world war 2. Charleston then was expensive to live, bcz of influx of new chemical graduates who made very good money. The decline of Charleston was a direct result from America’s shrinking sharing of manufacturing capacity that started in 1970s.

Born and raised in the Charleston area for twenty years. One, my brother in Christ, I wish you asked a native how to pronounce Kanawha. (cuh-NAW) Two, really glad you didn't visit the Town Center Mall. What was once a bustling shopping center is now a microcosm of the dying city it's located in. It's literally over half empty. The city has had to take out loans and seek outside investors in order to keep it open. I used to love going there as a kid, but it's just plain depressing now. Three, the first neighborhood you featured was located in an area of Charleston known as Kanawha City. I'd say it is more middle class/upper-middle class. The upper class neighborhoods with mansions and such is located in South Hills, on the south side of the Kanawha River. Four, the last neighborhood you visited that had run down houses next to nicely kept ones was "the West Side". It's generally known for having higher crime rates than the rest of the city. Five, thanks for visiting! Next time, try to indulge in the local cuisine. I consider Charleston to be fairly diverse culinarily. Plenty of Indian, Thai, Greek, Jamaican, etc. There are plenty of nice American restaurants as well. I'd suggest Karubee's (Jamaican), Sitar of India (North Indian/Pakistani), Chow Thai (Thai), Black Sheep Burrito (Mexican-American Fusion), Mi Cocina de Amor (Mexican), Adelphia (Greek-American bar and grill), Pies and Pints (pizzeria and draft beer), Soho's (Italian), Dem 2 Brothers & a Grill (American soul food), Graziano's (pizzeria), the Chop House (upscale American), Fazio's (Italian), Harding's (ole' fashioned country food), and literally any Tudor's Biscuit World, the pride of West Virginia. Lol I guess I went overboard on the food bit, but I honestly think it may be Charleston's best attribute, and I didn't even include restaurants in the suburbs.

I’ve lived in three continents and over a dozen US states. IMO West Virginia is naturally beautiful and one of my favorite places in the world. I think WV should somehow stimulate a tourism industry within itself and capitalize on its outdoors like a Colorado of the East. I would live there if they had a “real” big city

Good video The “Boat” is called a “Barge”. The actual specific boat pushing the barge is called a “Tug” however, the word tug is not needed since the barge can only operate with the tug. So it was a “River Barge” loaded with coal you saw moving in the river.

I just relocated from Scottsdale AZ to Charleston WV and I love it. It is being revamped, new businesses are coming here and many people are relocating here. It's beautiful, people are amazing, cost of living is fantastic. I am so happy I made the move here and anyone else who does will love it too

That is 18 karat yellow gold leaf on the dome. It came from & was applied by Italian workers from Italy & it took approximately 6 months. We are proud of & Love it!!!

Had to comment again after watching and seeing a few of your videos. You give a really good look at every area. Around the heart of Charleston even in the run-down neighborhoods you always found something positive to say. Just feel like you do a very very respectful in-depth look. Great job on every video I've watched to date.

Excellent presentation! West Virginia will Rebound' actually it's our nation best kept secret. You have more natural assets then many other states. It's people are quite unique! The mountains and water ways are fabulous also,unlike anywhere in the U.S. Moreover WV has a atmosphere of peace and a kindred spirit of kindness in the people. With those attributes many people will seek solace, to embrace their lives! Trust me, you have a gem of a State!

I lived in beckley til I was 14, and moved to Charleston for high school. I can safely say that, having been to 21 countries, there is something about this city and state that will always be home to me, especially In the summer. There is something so beautiful about the warm winds, the grass covered fields and mountains, the deep green trees. It’s beautiful in such a unique way. I hope to, after law school and working in law for a number of years, return to wv, to make this place known for what it truly is, and to improve the lives of all people here. Please, to those who see this place in pictures and on videos, I know it looks downright dreary. But if you could see this place in the spring and summer, and could only know what it’s like yo have friends and family here, you would look at it in an unrecognizable light. It’s beautiful, it’s home, it’s a place that makes nature seem natural.

I just graduated from the University of Charleston, you see the University at the 5 minute mark. Great video, and I would definitely call those hills mountains haha

Did I just witness an old respectful/safety gesture bef entering a building by Nic. Wiping her feet bef entering Capital building! God Bless You. Luving your vids so so much. Many Blessings be to you & your family.

Born and raised in Charleston for 24 years of my life up until 2013 when I moved south to Florida. Generations of people have been killed off here due to the drug opioid epidemic, as West Virginia and Charleston were hit very very hard by it. I cant even keep count of all the people once knew that have passed away from drug overdoses, it is overwhelming and traumatic and it's so very sad what has happened to such a beautiful place. WV will never be the same ...halfway through to the end of the video you are on the Westside of town which can be a very tough place to be and live...I grew up in this area up on the hill behind near Edgewood drive!!

Life-long resident of Charleston here. Love this place in a deep way, truly. Many problems, but where doesn't have that...ya know? All I know is that anyone from here, if being honest, will tell you it is a very special place with a very special type of people.

Love this video. It was neat to see and hear the perspective of someone else. I've been in and out of WV for much of my life, but this town and SLC, UT are home. All of this is exactly why my husband and I are fighting so hard to rehabilitate. We've taken up a few properties and are working to fix them up with no intentions of stopping. God Bless you, man!

I lived in Charleston briefly in the 90s. Even though it was a city of declining population even then, I thought it was a place of immense character. The architecture reflects the different periods of boom and bust. The winding roads and unique lay of the city is dictated by the hills and waterways. The refreshing greenspaces intervene against the roads and structures. The strangers that would wave and say, "Good Morning" when they passed on the street always made me feel at home. It was a truly nice place. I really wish you had gotten the chance to visit Coonskin Park, the massive, green hilltop recreation area or West Virginia International (Yeager) Airport (with the notorious mountaintop runway my pilot friends called "The Postage Stamp"). It would have been interesting to your viewers/subscribers to make mention of one of the largest urban malls in the country or the exploding music scene. If you ever get the chance to revisit Chsrleston, I hope you can explore some of the more compelling points of the city. I assure you that Charleston has much more to offer than boarded-up houses.

The city never ‘retooled’ for a changing economy. Ask the politicians why they abandoned their taxpayers.

In the 1970’s while a teacher, I was a custodian there on weekends, at that most beautiful capitol, mopping the floors. It is truly a stunning building with much history.

Interesting to see a review about my hometown pop up on my feed. Thanks for making this. I enjoyed growing up in Charleston.

I was born in Charleston in 1956, and left in 1975. Believe it or not, Charleston was considered a progressive city in the 60s and early 70s. There were also lots of beautiful women. I recall a sign on a bridge over the Kanawha River that spoke of Charleston’s attributes, the pretty girls being one of them. I’ve lived all over the world since then, but no other place has ever felt like home the way Charleston did. By the way, it’s pronounced Ka-NAW-ah, not KAN-a-wa.

I have lived most of my life in WV. Born and raised in East Bank, moved once and came back. I now live in Charleston. I love it here. Of course there's good and bad just like anywhere else. To me the good far exceeds the bad. WV has some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Because there are a lot less people walking the streets compared to larger/more populated cities it's very common to say hello to people in passing. That would be quite difficult if you passed someone every every few feet. I know I'm biased but I also feel very confident in saying nobody is as proud of where they're from as people from WV. A few things to keep in mind for if you're ever back in town... I wish you would have shown some of the east end of Charleston (area around the capital building). It is the more historic area of the city. Fun fact, the west side of Charleston once had an amusement park known as Luna Park until 1923. It was located in the southern part of the neighborhood and took up a large portion of the west side. Some of the more "unique" layouts of the city streets in the area are due to the original thoroughfares of the park. Thanks for visiting and "y'all come back now, ya hear".

As a transplant, I made the same mistake about the mountains. There is no “height” requirement for mountains. The state is in the Appalachian mountain range. They were once tall, but they are very old and eroded, so old mountains. I was a trail runner and ran up those mountains. It’s also deceptive because they are so covered with trees. The neighborhood you drove through is the poorest in the city, not typical. Although you are definitely correct about its decline.

I was there in 1958 it was a beautiful old style town Thank you for bringing back the memory.

Such a beautiful state capitol on the inside.

Charleston looks like a beautiful old city that is very well kept with a lot of beautiful historic architecture. At least Charleston didn’t allow urban renewal to run rampant in the 60s and 70s. However Charleston has a stagnant economy and no real estate demand so that is why there are so many empty and half empty buildings.

Fewer People, Quiet, Clean, no homeless wandering about, no graffiti.. DUDE, sounds like a wonderful place. WV, be proud, you have a beautiful city there, and while everyone rushes to Texas, and Tenn. for the grid lock roads, and over crowded streets, you can rest easy knowing you dont have to deal with all that. People who love you will stay and keep you alive. So your not dying as suggested by the youtuber, decline is not death... its just resetting to a new normal. I bet after this video many will look to move there to get away from the mess and crowding in other places.

Kan-E-Wah river. 🤣 That was cute, being from WV. Good video.

I too live in WV, always have, 41 years now. It’s unfortunate we have been on the decline since I have been alive. Thanks for making us at least look good. There are lots of good things here if you know where to look

wow. It is almost as if the leaders of the state are WORKING to keep the poor and disadvantaged, even poorer and without any options for progress. But keep voting Manchin into office West Virginians. Because nothing says failure like repeating things and decisions that have never worked in the past. The people of West Virginia deserve better than Manchin.

Probably a good idea to get a guide when visiting and filming documentaries of cities you’re not familiar with. So many missed opportunities to capture the city in it’s entirety. While I agree it is a dying city, there’s a lot of folks that are really trying to revamp things, they could have given you a better tour and walkthrough. And Kanawha is pronounce Kuh-Naw-wha

I’ve always had a good experience with the people of that state when ever I visited. It’s one of my state on the list when I retire

Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Like most cities in the tri-state area ( Ohio, WV, PA, ) the collapse of heavy industry and its associated side industries have fell on hard times.

I lived in Chas from 99-2021 . It was definitely an experience . I miss it a little bit bc it was home for over 20 yrs but ,as yall may already know , there’s absolutely nothing there. The one mall in the whole county can barely survive. WV is in a very sad state but I’ll always have love for it.

I've been thinking about moving to West Virginia ... actually I'm putting my house up for sale as soon as the roofers start replacing my roof. Your video is making me seriously consider Charleston as my destination.

Thanks for giving us a fair shake. We're not the best as far as entertainment but there's a lot of charm and opportunity here.

I didn't see this video until a few months later after you released it. I grew up on the outskirts of Charleston, WV. I moved to Richmond, KY after I graduated from DuPont High School in 1983 at Dupont City, WV. That first river tugboat that was pushing those coal barges on the Kanawha River was renamed the George W. Jones. The boats original name was the Morris Harvey. I remember it all very well because I grew up in the neighborhood which had been owned by the Jones family who owned and operated Amherst Coal Company and Amherst Industries, and that boat docked at the river port just below the home I grew up in at Port Amherst. My father worked for them as a coal distribution coordinator. My mother worked in the company owned General Store. I worked for them as a groundskeeper, and I did light maintenance and upkeep on their company vehicles. The Amherst Coal Company emblem had been painted on the exhaust stack of the George W. Jones reminiscent of earlier times. The gold plating that is on the capitol dome is paid for by a wealthy family instead of the taxpayers. The last river tugboat you filmed in the video was named The Charleston when I lived there. I was unable to see in the video if the name had been changed. I had ridden on The Charleston during the river boat races they had there at the time called The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. The Charleston had always been a powerful and quite fast riverboat and won many regatta races. Those were memorable times.

Thank you for the nice comments about our city. We are losing roughly 10,000 people a year statewide, and are now the 3rd oldest state in the union, and that may not reverse any time soon. I'm glad you had a good time at the capitol complex. Safe travels on your future journeys!

Great video! Just a little trivia…West Virginia is the only state to be entirely within the Appalachian Mountains. Pretty much anywhere you go, you see mountains. 😀 And the “boats” on the Kanawha River are barges. (I guess, technically, the tugboat was pushing the barges, though. Lol) So glad you caught one hauling coal on the video! Very nice! Thanks for the tour! I live in Cincinnati, but grew up in southern WV.

This video means a lot I grew up there and so did my father it's nice to see home again

I was hoping for video of the next morning 😂 I didn't think I'd get it. Thank you. Great video.

City isn’t dead. You came during winter. There are still more things to do on a weekend in the winter than other city’s have in the summer. We tons of festivals. Yes it was on a decline, but it’s a great place to start out. I’ve lived here for almost a decade. Covid really hurt us. But we’re getting our footing again. This place could be the Colorado of the east coast if just a few more old farts would move on. It has a TON of potential.

I was a lifelong West Virginian and spent the last ten years in Charleston. I finally threw in the towel and ran for greener pastures two months ago. so far, no regrets.

A great vlog. Really liked it as it was very cool. You guys did it really well. I am in love with the city the way you have covered it in the video. Going to follow and watch all your videos because they are very informative. Love from 'India'.❤❤❤❤

the thing to remember is you were in a few different neighborhoods which although part of the city they are more like the suburbs you find in New York. you started on Kanawha (pronounced ka- naw- ah not can-i-wh) City before coming across the river into downtown.

Thanks for coming and visiting WV. The building that was on the Kanawha River bank is called the Union Building and was actually still in use by some local companies and a community ran radio station. Of course since you’ve filmed the video, the building’s owner cleared out the people in there to make the rooms into apartments.

My hometown💙 moved away 30 yrs ago. But it will always be home! It is beautiful. Thank you!!

I think i like this city...No Graffiti No people.. No homeless.. My kind of town Sounds like paradise

Excellent video. Fantastic filming, great presentation, very informative, 5 stars.

First time watching your channel and really enjoyed the visit from my sofa here in Houston when I should have been in my home office working. I feel like I just took a mini-vacation with you and your wife. It was pretty funny to see you open the curtains the next morning and see the snow. Thank you guys for a great adventure, now back to work for me. I’ll subscribe now so that I can travel with you guys again soon.

Hey. Thanks for this awesome tour.

What a fine looking downtown area, and those great looking vintage buildings! I wish my home town of San Francisco was in this condition. S.F. was, at one time the "Queen of the West"...now she's a dowdy "Woman of the Night"!!

Lived in Charleston my whole life, I love it and it’s very homey, the beautiful Appalachian mountains are filled with so much history, the only thing is the weather is bipolar af and can’t decide if we’re a desert or a rainforest. Also, I feel like you’re pretty accurate on most things but definitely not about the homeless. You can’t go literally one block anymore without seeing tent camps or stolen shopping buggys full of clothes. Drug deals going on all over the place, needles left near playgrounds and bathrooms, it’s getting very bad. And I think the tourism is increasing as well as rent prices so I could imagine how many homeless West Virginians there are here

What a beautiful city! Love the historical buildings, wish they were open and thriving. I am looking to buy a cheap old house in West Virginia. I know it is not a good thing for the city but I am drawn to the poorness of it. That it is less "touched" than other places.A lot of the houses you considered in decline look just fine to me. I am not a shiny and new type of person. Should fit in well. :)

Nice video. Thank you for sharing.

Such a beautiful city! So sad to hear about its decline. I visited there a few times while I lived in D.C. and have the most fond memories walking along the river.

I was born and raised in WV, and been a resident of Charleston for a long time. You’re absolutely right. It’s sad to see but we’re losing a lot of what we used to be. It was coal in the boat btw lol. Although I am required as a citizen to let you know Kanawha is misleadingly spelled. It’s spelled how you pronounced it and should probably be pronounced that way, but it’s pronounced Can-aww. It’s like we completely ignore the A at the end, lol.

One of my best friends lives down the river in Marmet , he and his family as well as all the people i have met were some of the best people you would ever want to know. i need to get back there for the Sternwheeler Regatta soon.

Great vid and great commentary! Really enjoyed brother!

Hello Sir Lord Spoda, I'v stated watching your videos since 2 weeks. I just got up your video on the fly one day. It just caught me into it, Now I'm watching 2 - 3 videos a week. I can not stop watching yours... good job... keep up the good work...

Unfortunately, the pandemic killed a lot of downtown Charleston's life, it's so sad to see. Even a few years ago, it was more 'happening', especially in the warmer months, and in the last couple of years several businesses, restaurants and bars have closed. It really is a beautiful, unique city with many charming neighborhoods and I wish more people, and more locals, could appreciate it and invest in their own city. The area you drove through is considered one of the worst, and as you saw it mostly isn't too bad; the empty lots and boarded up houses are the physical face of population decline. Other city neighborhoods like Kanawha City, Edgewood and South Hills are in good, if not excellent shape and South Charleston and Mink Shoals are nice, stable inner suburbs. Suburbs farther west in Putnam County have actually seen notable population growth in recent decades, suburbanization is still happening in Charleston, while the downtown is stagnant.

19:10 West Virginia was "created by Abraham Lincoln" precisely and directly as a result of the Civil War. Before the Civil War Virginia was just "Virginia"... there was no "West Virginia", it was just another part of Virginia proper... as most folks may well know, Virginia joined the Confederacy and seated the Capital of the Confederacy in Richmond. The thing was, the folks in Virginia west of the Appalachian mountains lived very different lives than those east of the mountains, and thought very differently than those east of the mountains. There were no big slave-owning plantations in western Virginia, and both culturally and politically, western Virginians just thought about things differently. For those reasons and more, when Virginia seceded from the Union, it was against the will of people of western Virginia... and a split of the state occurred with Eastern Virginians joining the Confederacy while Western Virginians stayed loyal to the Union... hence, eventually it became "official" when Lincoln created the state.

It's interesting to see a first time visitors perspective on my city. I could go on forever about its history.

Thanks for sharing.. I'm thinking about making Charleston my next home

Thanks for stopping in! But yes, it’s a dying state and there’s not a lot of opportunity here, but at the same time, it’s nice to have a home and roads that aren’t flooded with people. It’s the way we like it. And the Capitol is one of the nicest in the country. The whole interior is made with imported marble from Italy and the dome is 24k gold leaf. And just like in your experience, there’s really not much security at the Capitol to speak of. Me and my buddy walked to the roof and smoked a cigarette one day and nobody bothered us. It’s probably one of the few Capitols in the US that make you feel like it’s truly “our Capitol” and everyone is always welcome to come inside and explore it. All in all, us locals wish the city was doing better, but we have proud, hard working, simple kind of people here and we all make the best of it because it’s our home.

As a person who has lived in Charleston, let me say it is a rather depressing place. Its two main industries are State Government and the Charleston Town Center Mall. Down the road a bit there is a casino...it used to be a Greyhound Racing Track...that was/is also a major economic engine for the area. Most of the year, Charleston is dark, cloudy and rainy. Very dreary place overall. With that said, there are class extremes there. There are several folks in Kanawha City with multi-million dollar homes and those that live in $25,000 shacks in the surrounding area.

lovely state i can't imagn to visit it thank you for interview

Back in the early 80's i lived in Charleston WV. The Capital building was my favorite spot to walk around.

I actually think Charleston is much less advanced then us in Beckley. We’re a poor state but I feel like all we need is some motivated youth into our representative spots and a bit of assistance programs but we have potential. It does break my heart seeing some things in the current state but I love my state. It seems our past generations was focused only toward the hard larbor of mining and therefore had no real other businesses or goals. The real fun here is hanging out with locals and of course our wilderness

Thanks for posting this video. Im a Charleston native, and you did a good job surveying the city. You began in what’s called the “Kanawha City” area of Charleston, where the nice houses were. Kanawha is pronounced “Keh-NAW-ah”, but everyone who lives here pronounces it “Keh-NAW”. It’s actually an old Native American name which was originally pronounced “KAN-a-WAH”. I’m really surprised that you didn’t see any vagrants, because trust me, we definitely have a huge population of homeless in Charleston. The opioid epidemic has ravaged Appalachia, and the Charleston/Huntington area is pretty much its epicenter. I noticed you went down Washington St West, which is where the West Side of town in. Washington St East (East End) is where most of the homeless and rundown houses are. You were close when you were at the Capitol. As you saw, Charleston isn’t a very big city. If you’re on the interstate, you can start at one end of town, and go all the way through town in 5 minutes lol. Charleston has its ups and downs like everywhere else on earth. Like you said, it’s a poor area, but it’s very blue collar. I think the average salary is around 30-35k. It’s got that small town vibe to it, where people care about each other. We’re one of the poorest areas in the US, while simultaneously being one of the most charitable areas too. That comes with its drawbacks though. Word got around to bums all over the country, and they hitchhike or hop trains to Charleston so they can make a hundred bucks a day by begging for money and handouts. It’s really a tragedy. The state spends millions educating its children, only to see them move out of state for better career opportunities, while homeless people, drug dealers from Detroit, and beggars take their spot. Sad…

Excellent thank u.

My daughter’s in-laws live in a beautiful neighborhood up in the hills, full of gorgeous, up-scale houses. Wish you had found it. I haven’t been to Charleston in years, so brought back some memories. Thank you.

Pretty accurate except for his pronunciation of Kanawha… I would have had him look at South Hills area and Civic Center…

Charleston looks like a city with a lot of potential. It's sad to see the shortage of people living in this beautiful city. I live in NE Ohio and travel through WV on a regular basis. I find the people to be very friendly and helpful. In all, I think the State of WV is highly underrated and not appreciated for the potential it has. Hopefully Charleston will attract new business and people so that we can keep this great city and state moving at their full capacity.

The City looks great compared to other round the globe. Clean and nice views. I hope its going stronger again..

As a former "Mountaineer" I miss WV and the beauty of the state and very kind and gracious citizens who welcome visitors with open arms. I miss it and eventually return next year for a 2 week staycation and renew former friendships and former hangouts in downtown Charleston to include Cross Lanes and Teays Valley. 'Montani Semper Liberi'

I'm really glad I watched this entire video. I really appreciate what you are doing. Documenting these American cities, both on the rise and decline. I live in Pittsburgh. I'll be interested if you swing bye this way. many of our outlying steel towns are dying big time. What a really beautiful capital building in Charleston. Reminds me of the Burgh

I was born and raised here in WV, I I grew up in Hurricane. I’ve lived in other states but it’s just not the same as home. This is a declining state that’s true, but it’s one of the most beautiful states in the US. Yes, it’s sad that our youth have to leave this state to find substantial work but it is what it is. In my generation the youth didn’t have to do that, back in the 70’s and 80’s. One thing great about our state is that the crime rate is very low compared to your other states and larger cities. So, for the ones that still live here we’re very blessed to be in a state with very little to no crime. I’m so thankful to call this my home for sure. “ Take me home country roads to the place I belong West Virginia, ,mountain momma take me home country roads. “ ❤️🥰🥰❤️

I was born in Charleston. West Virginia is a beautiful state with lovely people. My dad became a Marine and we moved away. I visit family when I can. My grandfather worked on building the roads we travel on today. Growing up we would see him on the weekends, he worked tirelessly. Miss you both, Dad and Grandpa. See you again one day in Heaven.

Liked watching the video. I stayed in the same hotel and had the same view one room below a couple months ago. That area around the hotel had many stores and restaurants that were closed.

I have family in the far northern part of the state, near WVU and Morgantown. Even though WV is the second poorest state, it's got to the one of the top prettiest. Especially in the fall, the physical geography is just stunning. It's a shame it's so dependent on coal. Hopefully remote work continues and more people move there. The downtown where you were walking with the brick sidewalks is absolutely adorable and charming and the building facades are just beautiful. Lots of potential.

Fun fact about some of those houses. I don't know about elsewhere but here if you see a line of house that are very similar in structure, more than likely they are quite old and known as coal camp houses. Built for the sole purpose of miner housing during the mining boom.

Amazing video luv it great job!!!

Like your vids. Especially of Fargo/Morehead. 😉

Its hilarious seeing people in the comments not born and raised here talking about the ups and downs and whatnot as if they'd know honestly

I’m a born and raised West Virginian and lived in nearby Fayette County. I remember taking my first school field trip in grade school to our state Capitol in Charleston. Back when Jay Rockefeller was governor. The whole trip was fascinating and the city and Capitol were beautiful. We all ate at the nearby McDonalds and we all had a ball. I love my home state and I’ll always remember my first school field trip.

Thank you very much.

Thanks for sharing your visit. My family had drove through there so many times on family vacations going further N.E. in West Virginia and eastern KY and eastern Virginia and to Tennessee cities but i never could get dad to get off the main highway and stop actually in the city center. I hope you went to Tamarack center for the arts that is just south from there, its worth stopping in there to see all the special crafts and handmade things. They do fine arts and blacksmithing , ceramics, woodcarving, stained glass, they have bluegrass and old time mountain music recordings for sale and they all kinds of foods and wines also.

Considering that lots who tour through here are negative, I appreciate the good things you said. Also, that is my mother on the medical scooter being used as your thumbnail image. 🤣

Nice and mostly complimentary description of my beloved old native town. tip: Kanawha is pronounced "Kuh-na-wah". It's Native American. Most folks mispronounce it at first.

Thank you for taking me down memory lane. I'm from West Virginia

I like your content, watching you from the Philippines,feeling me that I am there,strolling and enjoy❤️

I appreciate the nice things you said about our State. We like to call it West By God Virginia. I have lived in other states and was in the Military, but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.