It takes about two hours by car from Ohio to Morgantown, WV.

When I first visited this city, I honestly didn't have high expectations. Perhaps it was due to the preconceived notions associated with the name West Virginia.

However, upon seeing it in person, the college town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains was much more dynamic and, above all, alive than I had anticipated.

Morgantown was founded in 1785 by a man named Zackquill Morgan. The name comes from him.

When the Virginia General Assembly officially chartered the city in 1838, the population was around 700. That small town has now grown to a city of 30,347 according to the 2020 census. In terms of the metropolitan area, it has a population of about 140,000. It is also the third-largest city in West Virginia. The area covers 10.4 square miles, with a population density of about 2,979 people per square mile.

When talking about this city, one cannot overlook West Virginia University (WVU). Founded in 1867 as West Virginia Agricultural College and renamed West Virginia University the following year, the campus spans 913 acres. As of the fall semester in 2012, the enrollment was 29,707 students, nearly matching the city's population. This is why Morgantown remains vibrant throughout the four seasons. During the academic year, the downtown buzzes with students from across the country, and on days when there are WVU football games, the entire city is painted in gold and blue Mountaineer colors.

Geographically, it is also interesting. Morgantown is located in Monongalia County and sits along the Monongahela River. It is close to the Pennsylvania border. Thanks to the undulating terrain typical of the Appalachian Mountains, hills and greenery can be seen from anywhere in the city. There are numerous hiking trails, and places like Coopers Rock State Forest are just a 20-minute drive away.

One of the most notable infrastructures in this city is the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT). This automated transit system was experimentally built by the U.S. Department of Transportation in the 1970s and has been in operation since 1975. It is interesting that it was designed to test the undulating terrain and various climate conditions. Globally, it is rare to find such a system operating in a college town for over 50 years. It is an experience worth trying for tourism purposes.

Morgantown is not just a backdrop for WVU. It is a unique space where history, nature, and college culture blend together. It is a distance that can be easily traveled for a day trip from Ohio, yet it is a surprisingly enriching city. I believe it is definitely worth exploring thoroughly at least once.