Charleston is the center of business in our state as well as the seat of state government. Our state capital is modeled after the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. It's gold dome visible throughout the Kanawha River valley. Charleston was once the world's leading chemical producer and one time home to Union Carbide and Dupont Chemical Corporations. Charleston is home to the Marshall University Graduate College, University of Charleston and West Virginia State University. Situated on the Kanawha River, the river is not only a scenic wonder for our state but home to numerous festivals, regattas, thousands of private boat owners, and is host to a lucrative river shipping industry. The population of Charleston is about 54,000, with the greater metropolitan area home to well over 100,000.