The Scotch-Irish, also called "Ulster Scots," were one of the largest groups to settle in present-day West Virginia, arriving first in the Eastern Panhandle. They came to escape difficult conditions and anti-Presbyterian laws in northern Ireland, migrating in waves between 1717 and 1775. After settling in Pennsylvania, they moved south and west, and into the mountainous regions of Western Virginia, despite not being the best farmers. Known for their toughness, strong faith, and pioneering spirit, they played a key role in shaping the state's culture. Their resilience and independence have made them one of the most influential groups in West Virginia's history.