West Virginia

Lore & Background

West Virginia was formed from the western part of Virginia during the American Civil War, after residents of western and northern counties set up a separate government under Francis Pierpont in 1861. The new state was admitted to the Union in 1863, and its constitution provided for gradual abolition of slavery; the state legislature abolished slavery and ratified the 13th Amendment on February 3, 1865. The state's northern panhandle forms a tri-state area with Pennsylvania and Ohio, while its eastern panhandle is part of the Washington metropolitan area.

Reader's Guide

West Virginia's significance lies in its unique formation during the Civil War as a breakaway state from Virginia, reflecting deep regional divisions over slavery and representation. The state's mountainous terrain shaped its economy, historically dominated by coal mining and logging, and its political evolution from a Democratic stronghold to a heavily Republican state. West Virginia is the only state entirely within the Appalachian Regional Commission's service area and is known for outdoor recreation. It consistently ranks low in health outcomes and education but ranks first in home ownership and third in affordability and equality. The state's prehistoric mounds and Native American history, including the Monongahela and Fort Ancient cultures, add archaeological importance.

Did You Know?

• West Virginia is the only state entirely within the area served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
• The state ranks first in the nation in home ownership.
• West Virginia abolished slavery on February 3, 1865, and ratified the 13th Amendment the same day.
• Many ancient earthen mounds from prehistoric mound builder cultures survive in West Virginia.