Though close geographically, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia are very different. All three states have contributed a great deal to American history. Virginia and North Carolina were among the thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. When Virginia attempted to leave the Union in 1861, the tough, independent people of West Virginians refused to go along and instead formed their own state. North Carolina was once dependent on agriculture, but today is a major center for banking, education, and research. This book in the LET'S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three remarkable states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.