Like many early settlements in the United States, Charleston and the surrounding area was first inhabited by Native Americans. The Shawnee, Cherokee, Saponi, Delaware, and Mingo tribes were among the first people to call this region home, and they named many prominent landmarks and locations in West Virginia, including the Monongahela and Ohio rivers. Kanawha itself was named after a Native American tribe and means “water way” or “transport way.” The city was chartered in 1794 after the Virginian government converted 40 acres of land into the city of Charleston. Charleston, along with the rest of West Virginia, was originally part of the state of Virginia, but during the American Civil War, West Virginians sided with the north while the Virginians sided with the Confederates. These conflicting loyalties led to West Virginia becoming one of the only states to be created from an existing state and West Virginia became a state in 1863. Charleston’s convenient location along the rivers meant that it was to become an ideal destination for travelers like Daniel Boone, as well as for those relocating from various parts of the country. Charleston also became a major salt producer in 1824, when the first steamboat arrived and brought an influx of travelers and economic opportunities.

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Charleston is the East End Historic District, which was one of the earliest settlements in downtown Charleston. Charleston has eight recognized historic districts, but the East End is the most well-known. There are over two dozen restaurants here, while the neighborhood also is home to some of the most famous historic buildings in the region, including the old Statehouse and the Holly Grove mansion. Many of the houses were built in the early 1800s from brick. The buildings and houses include a blend of Victorian and Greek revival architecture, making it a perfect place to take a short walk and sightsee. It’s also home to many locally-owned businesses, and even some of the artwork on the buildings has been created by local Charleston artists.

To see the city from another perspective, why not take a river cruise? You can tour along the Kanawha River on a sternwheel paddle boat. For history buffs, a trip to the West Virginia Capitol Complex is like taking a trip back in time. The capitol building itself features a towering, gold-leaf dome.

If you’re in need of some retail therapy, be sure to head to the Charleston Town Center Mall, where you’ll find some 130 eateries and shops. Or, visit the Capitol Market for locally made products and gourmet goods.