Who were the original inhabitants of West Virginia?

The original inhabitants of West Virginia were the Native American tribes. Prior to European settlement, various tribes such as the Shawnee, Mingo, and Delaware populated the region. They engaged in hunting, fishing, and farming, and had established complex social structures and rich cultural traditions. These tribes were the first people to live in the area that would later become West Virginia, long before the arrival of pioneer settlers and colonial farmers. Native American influence is still evident in the culture and place names throughout the state today, highlighting their historical significance.