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West Virginia History

West Virginia

US Famous People

Which famous people have lived in your state?

People listed are almost always native to the state. We do (on occasion) include those that have either lived within a state for most of their adult life, or have made a significant contribution to the state in their personal endeavors.

West Virginia Famous People

Famous Americans: History and Biographies

West Virginia Famous People: Greeting from West Virginia Links to histories and biographies of the famous people of West Virginia. Many famous people of West Virginia have made significant contributions to the history of our nation and the state of West Virginia. These famous Americans, famous entertainers, famous players, famous scientist, famous singers, famous statesmen, famous women, heroes, great explorers, and others West Virginia famous Americans have all made West Virginia their home. This list includes West Virginia historical figures, celebrities and those individuals of West Virginia who have influenced the lives of others.

Famous People

George Brett (1953 - ) Former major league baseball player with the Kansas City Royals; born in Glen Dale.
Pearl Buck (1892 - 1973) Author best known for her novel The Good Earth; born in Hillsboro.
Don Knotts (1924 - ) Actor best known for appearances in movies like The Incredible Mr. Limpet and The Apple Dumpling Gang and the television series The Andy Griffith Show; born in Morgantown.
Thomas Stonewall Jackson (1824 - 1863) Confederate general; born in Clarksburg.
Kathy Mattea (1959) Country music singer; born in South Charleston.
Mary Lou Retton (1968 - ) Olympic gold medalist of gymnastics; born in Fairmont.
Walter Reuther (1907 - 1970) One of the most influential labor leaders of the 20th Century; born in Wheeling.
Harold Tucker Webster (1885 - 1952) Cartoonist and creator of Caspar Milquetoast; born in Parkersburg.
Jerry West (1938 - ) Basketball Hall of Famer that played for the Los Angeles Lakers; born in Cabin Creek.
Chuck Yeager (1923 - ) First pilot to fly faster than the speed of sound; born in Myra.
Steve Yeager (1948 - ) Baseball player; born in Huntington.

More Famous People of West Virginia

Phyllis Curtin soprano, Clarksburg
Joanne Dru actress, Logan
John S. Knight publisher, Bluefield
Peter Marshall TV host, Huntington
Alfred Moore jurist, Molinosville
Eleanor Steber soprano, Wheeling
Lewis L. Strauss naval officer and scientist, Charleston
Cyrus Vance government official, Clarksburg

US Famous People

Links to histories and biographies of famous people from each of the 50 states. Learn history through the biographies of the famous people from your state. These famous Americans have influenced the lives of others and all have made the US their home.