What Is West Virginia Day: Every year on June 20, National West Virginia Day is held to remember the founding of West Virginia, the last state to be formed from one of the British Empire’s original thirteen colonies. This important day in history marks the beginning of an area famous for its huge forests, thriving coal mine industry, and culturally rich past. West Virginians are proud of the many unique things that make their state unique.
People are being asked to enjoy West Virginia’s natural beauty and historical importance on this important day. Along with the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Allegheny Mountains are some of the most beautiful natural features in the state. West Virginia is famous for being the state that makes the most coal east of the Mississippi River.
Along with its natural resources, West Virginia has deep cultural roots that come from the heritage of its original people. People in West Virginia can share their contagious energy and excitement on National West Virginia Day, which encourages others to join in the fun. It’s a day to celebrate the state’s unique qualities and the things it has done to make its people proud and united.
History Of National West Virginia Day
Before Europeans came, many Native American groups liked to hunt in West Virginia. They left behind old clay mounds that were made by different mound-builder cultures. Paleo-Indian society grew along the area’s major river basins and water sources as early as 10,500 B.C. Around 500 B.C., the Adena society took over. They were known for their unique ceremonial pipes and wigwams, which are round houses with wicker sides and roofs made of bark sheets. The Adena Indians were also very good at farming. They grew squash, gourds, sunflowers, and dogs as pets.
There was sectarianism and efforts to make a separate colony called “Westsylvania” on the state’s way to joining the U.S. In 1829, the Virginia Constitutional Convention met in Richmond to talk about reforms. People from western Virginia wanted a more open government.
Virginia chose to leave the Union during the American Civil War in 1861. But the plan didn’t work, and West Virginia was created as a state that supported the Union. Abraham Lincoln made West Virginia a new state and added it to the Union on April 20, 1863. West Virginia Day has been a state holiday since 1927. It was first marked informally around 1864.
As soon as West Virginia became a state, Wheeling, Charleston, and other towns started competing to be the capital city. A vote of the whole state in 1877 chose Charleston as the state capital. West Virginia Day is celebrated every year on June 20. Events are held all over the state and in the Charleston legislative complex to honor the state’s long and complicated past. The fair shows how proud and patient the people are in recognizing West Virginia’s creation.
National West Virginia Day Timeline
The first people to live in West Virginia lived there around 10,500 B.C.
Paleo-Indian groups were found near the area’s major river valleys and water sources.
Those who came first (9000 B.C.)
People moved to West Virginia for the first time.
The impact of the Adena Indians in 500 B.C.
They are also called the Woodland Indians, and they have made art and culture in West Virginia possible.
How Things Changed in the 1700s
Europeans came and started to live on the land.
In 1829, the First Constitutional Convention met.
To make changes to the state’s law, the Virginia Constitutional Convention met in Richmond.
In 1863, West Virginia became a state.
Congress made West Virginia a state on June 20, 1863.
1942: Honoring the Dead
It is the rule that students and teachers must salute the American flag.
Question and Answers about West Virginia Day
National West Virginia Day Faqs
What is closed on National West Virginia Day?
West Virginia also has a state holiday called National West Virginia Day. On this day, many government offices, museums, and schools are closed.
Is West Virginia a Red State?
West Virginia is indeed a Republican state at the moment. Recently, Republicans have won the state for president, with John McCain in 2008, Mitt Romney in 2012, and Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020.
What is the most common job in West Virginia?
People who live in West Virginia most often work as cashiers or sellers. In the state, people also often work as truck drivers and licensed nurses.
What is the safest city in West Virginia?
As of now, New Martinsville is the safest place in West Virginia.
How To Celebrate National West Virginia Day
Celebrate West Virginia’s rich history by going there.
Take a trip to West Virginia that you will never forget. This state is famous for its beautiful scenery and interesting past. From beautiful mountains to cute towns, West Virginia has a lot to offer everyone.
Look into the past: learn about West Virginia’s history.
Learn about West Virginia’s interesting past and become a part of its rich legacy. Find out what led to its creation, the problems it has had, and the things that have helped it succeed over time. Learning about West Virginia’s rich culture tapestry will make your trip more enjoyable.
Visit museums in your area to learn about the state’s cultural treasures.
Check out some West Virginia museums to add to the fun of your party. These cultural institutions tell us a lot about the past, traditions, and artistic heritage of the state. With everything from antiques to hands-on displays, museums are a great way to learn about West Virginia’s past and present.
Today is a great day to drive to West Virginia, whether you’re interested in the history or the natural beauty.
Why We Love National West Virginia Day
Honoring the beauty of nature and the history of West Virginia on West Virginia Day
West Virginia Day is a big deal for the state, which is known for its beautiful nature views. This is a good time to take a close look at the different and beautiful landscapes that make this area unique. The event not only shows how great the state is now, but it also thinks about the problems it faced in the past to get to where it is now.
A Day of Achievements: Bringing Back Patriotism
On West Virginia Day, people remember the state’s long past and how it stuck together when things got tough. People are inspired by the things that are remembered on this day, which lights the flame of pride within them. It is important to think about the past so that the sacrifices that were made are never lost.
Taking a look back at political debates and discussions in honor of statehood
Today is a celebration that sheds light on West Virginia’s path to becoming a state by showing how political debates and arguments shaped the state’s fate. It’s a touching reminder of the important roles that different people play in making an idea come true. On National West Virginia Day, we are asked to remember and value this significant time in our past.
A win-win situation for both tourism and the local economy
West Virginia Day celebrations bring in more tourists, which is good for the towns that host them. As more people learn about West Virginia’s natural beauty, the state’s income grows. People’s excitement serves as a motivator, making them proud of the state’s amazing trip and accomplishments.
Why do we celebrate West Virginia Day?
West Virginia broke away from Virginia in 1863 and became its state. On June 20, which is West Virginia Day, people remember this event. It was in the northwest part of Virginia that people refused to join the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
People in West Virginia celebrate West Virginia Day on June 20 to remember when the state broke away from Virginia in 1863 and became its state. Today is an important day that celebrates West Virginia’s unique history and character.
West Virginia became a state during the Civil War when it grew into its own separate body during a rough time in American history. West Virginia became the 35th state to join the Union on June 20, 1863. The break from Virginia was caused by problems in the area, especially among enslaved people.
West Virginia Day gives people in the state a chance to think about its past, culture, and contributions to the country. West Virginians are proud and united on this day, which often includes a wide range of events, parades, and activities that show off the state’s strength and unique culture.
Is West Virginia Day a national holiday?
Is West Virginia Day a West Virginia holiday? This is a holiday for the whole state. The state government buildings are not open.
Public schools and government buildings in West Virginia are closed on West Virginia Day, which is a state holiday. There may also be schools and companies that are closed today. People can celebrate this holiday in many ways, which brings people together and makes them proud of their state’s past and identity.
People can still enjoy celebrations, educational activities, and community events in honor of West Virginia’s independence from Virginia in 1863. These closures highlight the state’s unique gifts to the country.
What is West Virginia famous for?
The state is known as the “Mountain State” because of its rolling mountains, hills, and valleys. It is also a great place for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting.
This state has beautiful mountains, hills, and rivers. It is also known as the Mountain State. People from all over the country love to go hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and river rafting in this state.
A lot of West Virginia’s flat land runs along big rivers like the Ohio, the Guyandotte, and the Greenbrier. In terms of overall area, West Virginia is one of the smallest states. In fact, that number is only nine.
In the past, the state’s economy has been based on its many mineral riches, with coal being the most important. However, West Virginia’s economy is having trouble because coal production has recently gone down. Taking care of safety and environmental issues in mining is a big job for the state’s future growth right now.
What is the story of West Virginia?
The Wheeling Convention in 1861 was the start of West Virginia’s history. It was a meeting of Southern Unionists from northwest Virginia who wanted to undo Virginia’s Ordinance of Secession during the American Civil War (1861–1865).
The history of West Virginia can be traced back to the Wheeling Convention in 1861, which was a meeting of Southern Unionists from northwest Virginia during the American Civil War. Their goal was to get rid of Virginia’s Secession Ordinance. Because of this conference, West Virginia was created. It joined the Union on June 20, 1863, making it one of only two states created during the Civil War.
West Virginia became independent when the western part, which used to be part of the British Virginia Colony and later the Commonwealth and state of Virginia, split over secession. During the Civil War, it was one of the five nearby states. The number of people living in West Virginia grew quickly in the late 1800s and early 1900s because of jobs in coal and logging. But since the middle of the 20th century, people have been leaving the state for better opportunities, so the population has been going down. West Virginia’s past is shaped by its hilly terrain, beautiful river valleys, and lots of natural resources.
Why did West Virginia leave Virginia?
As early as 1829, some people in western Virginia wanted to leave Virginia. Many people in western Virginia felt like the government didn’t hear them and that they were being overtaxed and underserved by the state. In many places, the rough landscape made plantation farming impossible.
As early as 1829, some people in western Virginia wanted to break away from Virginia. People were upset about not being represented enough in the assembly, paying too much in taxes, and thinking that state spending wasn’t fair. Due to the rough environment, traditional plantation farming could not be done in some counties.
A lot of people in 27 counties worked together to stay loyal to the federal government after Virginia decided to leave the Union in 1861. During the next six months of the Civil War, they grew stronger, getting past the natural barrier of the Allegheny Mountains. Twenty-one new counties were made, which cover two-fifths of Virginia’s land area.
Even after West Virginia joined the Union in 1863, there were still disagreements among people in the West. In twenty-four of the forty-eight counties, there were majorities of people who supported the Confederacy. In other counties, there were active Confederate sympathizers, showing that people in the area had mixed feelings at the time.
On June 11, 1861, lawmakers from the western half of Virginia got together to say they were against Virginia’s freedom. At this meeting, they not only said no to Virginia’s secession but also set up the “Restored Government of Virginia,” which was led by Francis Pierpoint. This move cut them off from Virginians who wanted to join the Confederacy.
After two years of legal talks, this split was finally made possible. Fifty counties left Virginia to become the new state of West Virginia. With permission from President Abraham Lincoln, West Virginia became the 35th state in the United States on June 20, 1863.
People in West Virginia started enjoying West Virginia Day, which is the anniversary of their state becoming a union state, only a year after it did so.