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Charleston is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of West Virginia.

Charleston is the center of government, commerce, and industry for Kanawha County, of which it is the county seat.

Description[]

The flag of Charleston has a border of blue with a coat of arms in the center on a yellow field.

Symbolism[]

The capitol dome refers to Charleston’s status as the capital of West Virginia. The crossed rifle and arrow recall the city’s frontier heritage and its beginnings as a fort in the French and Indian War. The paddleboat represents the role of shipping in Charleston’s economy and its location at the juncture of two rivers. The pick and shovel are those of a coal miner, emphasizing the importance of mining to West Virginia. The black color further stresses the role of coal in the Charleston economy. The cogwheel reflects the city’s industries as well as its former nickname as “the Cog City”. The leaves surrounding the lower half of the shield may be for the love of nature of the city’s inhabitants.

Proposals for a New Flag of Charleston[]