Early American Musings

We drove from Cass across West Virginia, stopping at the New River Gorge National Park. When I lived in the USA 40 years ago there was no national park here has helped to promote the beauty of this region. Designated as a National Park and Preserve in 2020, and covering over 70,000 acres, the park showcases a dramatic landscape of deep canyons, forested plateaus, and striking rock formations. For a location I had not heard much about it was much more impressive and beautiful than I had expected.  A major highlight of the park is the New River Gorge Bridge, an iconic steel arch bridge that stands 876 feet above the river and stretches over 3,000 feet across. It is one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world .

Wildlife and biodiversity are another key aspect of the park, with diverse habitats supporting a range of species, including bald eagles, river otters, and black bears. The area also preserves remnants of West Virginia’s coal mining history, with ghost towns, old rail lines, and interpretive sites scattered throughout. It has become a major driver of tourism, attracting outdoor enthusiasts for activities like whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. We saw a large group of white water rafters heading down the river. It looked like great fun, and perfect for a hot day. I think that drifting down the river would be an amazing way to view the scenery.

This influx of visitors has boosted local businesses, created jobs, and brought much-needed revenue to surrounding rural communities. The park has helped to diversify the region’s economy, which traditionally relied on coal mining, by promoting tourism. Additionally, the New River Gorge has enhanced West Virginia’s national image, showcasing its natural beauty and potential for ecotourism.

I have always thought that West Virginia was one of the most beautiful parts of the country,  but I have always been shocked at some of the poverty within the state. We passed more trailer homes and run-down shacks today than we had seen anywhere else.  Historically, West Virginia was very reliant on coal mining and heavy industry, and as these have declined, the state has struggled to diversify its economic base. While coal remains a significant employer, its decline has destroyed many communities. Compared to other states, West Virginia consistently ranks near the bottom in terms of GDP, median household income, and job growth. The state has attempted to develop tourism, and other sectors such as healthcare; however, progress has been limited by the state’s comparative geographic isolation and its declining workforce.

One major economic concern is the state’s labour force participation rate, which is among the lowest in the country. West Virginia also has one of the highest rates of disability claims in the US and an aging population as youbng people leave the state in search of better opportunities elsewhere, further straining its labour pool and public services. Additionally, educational attainment lags behind national averages, with fewer college graduates, which further hinders the state’s competitiveness and limits economic growth.

There may also be some mismanagement in parts of the economy. We drove into West Virginia on US 48. We were driving down a fairly narrow and winding road, which suddenly, after passing through the village of Wardensville, transformed into an empty four-lane divided highway. For sixty miles, we sped on an empty highway across the beautiful scenery, and then, as suddenly as it began, the road ended and dumped us back on a narrow road. I presume the road was planned to link other things, but at the moment, this major highway sits in the middle of nowhere, not linking anything.

Transportation is a significant problem in West Virginia. Although it is close to the East Coast, it is not easily accessible, and this has caused economic and social problems. Socially, West Virginia faces several serious issues. The state has some of the highest rates of poverty and food insecurity in the US. It is also at the epicentre of the opioid crisis, with overdose death rates among the highest nationwide. This epidemic has had far-reaching social effects. There are also many other public health challenges, with high rates of smoking, obesity, and chronic illness. Our visit to Walmart, located outside the state capital of Charleston, was also interesting. I was very struck by the number of people with a range of physical disabilities, many in wheelchairs or scooters. It was certainly a different sort of cultural experience.

Some of the problems seemed to be typified by our encounter in a fast food restaurant in Lewisburg. We started talking to one of the cashiers. She asked where we were from and we said Scotland, and she said: ‘Oh my boyfriend’s family is from Scotland, we named our son Malcolm Muir to honour his Scottish links. We’ve always wanted to go there. Perhaps some day. I’ve never really left West Virginia. I so want to get out of here.’ Her sister, who was the other worker there, chimed in: ‘No one can get away from here.’ They both agreed it was hell. I thought the centre of Lewisburg looked quite nice, and I think West Virginia is stunningly beautiful, but I can understand that there is very little opportunity there. I was