Charleston is the capital and largest city of the state of West Virginia. Charleston is situated in the western part of West Virginia, along the Kanawha River. It serves as the county seat of Kanawha County. Charleston’s 2019 population was 46,536.
The West Virginia State Museum, located in Charleston, is the official museum of the state of West Virginia. It is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of West Virginia. The museum features a variety of exhibits and collections that showcase the state's history, from its early Native American inhabitants to its role in the Civil War and industrial development.