Week One

Glass manufacturing has a storied history in West Virginia. While coal is definitely the industry most associated with the state, in the past glass factories employed a huge number of workers, and contributed greatly to West Virginia's economy. Research West Virgina's glass history, and compare the number of factories there were in the past to the number that survive today. Where were these factories located, and why? Think about natural resources, as well as the transportation at the time. What ecological impact do you suppose these factories had? Again consider transportation, raw materials, fuel supplies. Finally, why do you suppose this industry has all but dried up in recent year?   

Respond to these questions, and include a map placing some of the prominent past glass factories to better illustrate your arguments (in regards to the reason they were there in the first place). Remember that West Virgina's unique geographical features have lent themselves to its history; focus on them, but do not discount other factors such as culture.