As I remember from WV history we seceded from Virginia in 1863 to be part of the Union. As I recall the Union was the north.


“Although the Mason-Dixon line is most commonly associated with the division between the northern and southern (free and slave, respectively) states during the 1800s and American Civil War-era, the line was delineated in the mid-1700s to settle a property dispute. The two surveyors who mapped the line, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, will always be known for their famous boundary.”

About.Com:Geography

As for pricing, we are paying more for fuel than other states and alot less than some. But we pay a lot less for other things than most of the country.

2001
Fresh corn on the cob: 6-12 ears $2-$4 here.
Mid west in season 6 for $6-$8

2007
Pet spay $35-$45 here
Arizona $100+

Sales tax 6% or 0.06c on the dollar
Some other states do have lower tax
Other are 6%or higher

Home purchase prices
Examples here for a 1500 sq ft and 1 acre 68-100K
Other states the same is >125K to 250K
Look at large states like WY for land/home prices

I think we are doing very good here in WV!