How West Virginia Became a State

West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian region of the United States. It was once part of the state of Virginia, but in 1863, West Virginia became its own state.

Pre-Statehood

West Virginia's Early History

West Virginia has a long and varied history that dates back to the early 1700s. The area that would eventually become West Virginia was originally part of the Colony of Virginia, and was populated by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and the Iroquois. In 1776, the area became part of the newly formed United States of America, and was part of the state of Virginia. During this time, the area was mostly rural, with a few small towns and villages scattered throughout. The population was largely composed of farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs. The area was also home to a number of iron and coal mines, which would become important later on.

West Virginia's Role in the Civil War

West Virginia played an important role in the Civil War. The state was divided in its loyalties, with some citizens supporting the Union and some supporting the Confederacy. In 1861, the state of Virginia voted to secede from the Union, and the western part of the state, which was largely pro-Union, declared itself a separate state. This new state was called West Virginia, and it was officially admitted to the Union in 1863. During the war, West Virginia provided a number of troops to the Union army, and also provided a number of resources such as coal, iron, and timber. The state also served as a base of operations for Union forces, and was the site of several important battles. After the war, West Virginia remained part of the Union, and has been a part of the United States ever since.

The Process of Statehood

West Virginia's Constitutional Convention

In April of 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union, and the western counties of Virginia were left without representation. In response, the people of these counties gathered in Wheeling to form a new state. On February 13, 1862, the Constitutional Convention of West Virginia was called to order. The convention was made up of fifty-five delegates, all of whom had been elected by the people of the western counties. The delegates set out to create a constitution that would establish a new state and provide a framework for its government.

Ratification of the West Virginia Constitution

The delegates worked diligently to create a constitution that would be accepted by the people of the western counties. After two weeks of debate and discussion, the delegates completed their work and the constitution was ratified on April 20, 1862. The constitution provided for the election of a governor and other state officials, as well as the establishment of a state legislature.

West Virginia's Admission to the Union

Once the constitution was ratified, the delegates sent a petition to Congress requesting admission to the Union. Congress debated the issue for several months before finally passing the West Virginia Statehood Bill on December 10, 1862. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill into law on December 31, 1862, officially making West Virginia the 35th state in the Union. The people of West Virginia celebrated the news with great enthusiasm, and the state was officially admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863.

Post-Statehood

West Virginia's Political and Economic Development

West Virginia's political and economic development since statehood has been marked by a number of successes and challenges. After the Civil War, the state was largely rural and agricultural, with little industry or infrastructure. In the early 20th century, West Virginia began to industrialize, with the coal and timber industries becoming the main sources of income. The state also developed a strong government, with a strong focus on education and public health. The state's economy has diversified over the years, with the growth of the tourism and service sectors. West Virginia has also become a major political player, with a number of prominent politicians and leaders coming from the state.

West Virginia's Role in the Nation

West Virginia has played an important role in the nation's history and development. The state was a major battleground during the Civil War, and its citizens have served in every major conflict since then. West Virginia has also been a leader in civil rights, with the state's Supreme Court ruling in favor of desegregation in 1954. West Virginia has also been a leader in environmental protection, with the state's legislature passing a number of laws to protect the environment. The state has also been a leader in the development of renewable energy, with the state's legislature passing laws to promote the development of solar and wind energy. West Virginia has also been a leader in the fight against poverty, with the state's legislature passing a number of laws to help the state's poorest citizens.