Travel Tips For West Virginia History: 7 Places to Visit For History Buffs on Vacation

History buffs looking for great travel tips in West Virginia can enjoy the state's rich heritage. From cultural museums to national historic parks, the Mountain State has plenty to offer history lovers.

Here are seven travel tips for visitors interested in West Virginia history:

1. Harpers Ferry National Historic Park: History buffs might first think of Harpers Ferry as the place John Brown led his insurrection against slavery. The area has a more extensive history that includes being the site of the first successful American rail road and home to one of the first integrated schools in the country.

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2. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal: This 184.5 long canal was the main thoroughfare for manufacturing in a time when mules were more important than horsepower. The canal is now a national park and provides an interesting look back to a bygone era of commerce. Tip: If you go in the spring or summer make sure you get a chance to see the replica packet boat pulled by mules, up the canal as in years past.

3. Grave Creek Mound: This large burial mound is estimated to contain about 60-thousand tons of earth. It is one of the largest of the Adena people, an early Native American group. The mound is believed to have been constructed over 2000 years ago.

4. Reber Radio Telescope: This telescope was built as the first parabolic antenna to do research in radio astronomy. It now sits on the grounds of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Greenbank, West Virginia.

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5. Wheeling Suspension Bridge: This is the oldest operating suspension bridge in the world. Don't let its 170 year old history worry you too much. The bridge has had several repairs and upgrades. It was the first bridge built over the Ohio River in the 1830s.

6. Philippi Covered Bridge: This bridge was the site of the first land battle of the Civil War. It is currently the only covered bridge in the country still serving a federal highway.

7. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine: This is a travel experience for those interested in the history of West Virginia coal mines. Guided tours include the history of the industry which has developed the culture of the area.

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