West Virginia Day

What Is West Virginia Day?

West Virginia Day is an annual observance in the United States, commemorating the day West Virginia officially became a state. On 20 June 1863, West Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 35th state, a significant event that occurred during the American Civil War. The day honours the state’s distinct heritage, its complex origins, and the resolve of its founders.

This day serves as a reminder of West Virginia’s unique position in American history, having seceded from a seceding state. It is a public holiday across West Virginia, allowing residents to reflect on their state’s past and celebrate its identity. Observances typically focus on historical education, community gatherings, and cultural events.

History and Origins of West Virginia Day

The origins of West Virginia Day are deeply intertwined with the American Civil War and the political divisions within the Commonwealth of Virginia. When Virginia voted to secede from the United States in April 1861, many counties in the western part of the state, which had different economic and social interests (including fewer enslaved people and less reliance on plantation agriculture), remained loyal to the Union. These western counties felt politically and economically neglected by the eastern Virginian establishment.

In the wake of Virginia’s secession, Unionists from the western counties convened a series of meetings known as the Wheeling Conventions. The Second Wheeling Convention, held in June 1861, established the Restored Government of Virginia, which claimed to be the legitimate government of the entire state. This “restored government” subsequently gave permission for the creation of a new state, fulfilling the constitutional requirement that a new state formed from an existing one must have the consent of the parent state’s legislature.

After a vote by the loyal counties and subsequent approval by the Restored Government of Virginia and the U.S. Congress, President Abraham Lincoln formally proclaimed West Virginia’s statehood on 20 June 1863. This act brought West Virginia into the Union as a free state, further bolstering the Union’s cause during the Civil War. West Virginia Day was officially established as a state holiday in 1927.

How West Virginia Day Is Celebrated

West Virginia Day is primarily celebrated within the state itself, with a focus on education, community engagement, and historical remembrance. As it is a public holiday, state government offices and public schools are closed, providing an opportunity for residents to participate in various local events.

State-wide Observances

Across West Virginia, communities organise parades, historical reenactments, and educational programmes that delve into the state’s Civil War history and its path to statehood. Museums and historical societies often host special exhibits, lectures, and open days to engage the public with the rich past of the Mountain State. Many state parks and historical sites also offer specific events or discounts.

Local Traditions

Local celebrations may include outdoor festivals featuring traditional Appalachian music, crafts, and food. Many families use the day to gather for picnics and spend time together, often incorporating discussions about their family’s connection to West Virginia’s history. The day is also a time for West Virginians to display state flags and symbols, showing their pride in the state’s unique identity and heritage.

When Is West Virginia Day?

West Virginia Day is observed annually on 20 June. This date is fixed and does not change from year to year, as it directly commemorates the exact date of West Virginia’s admission to the Union in 1863. The observance follows the Gregorian calendar. If June 20th falls on a weekend, the holiday may be observed on the preceding Friday or the following Monday for state employees, as is common with many fixed public holidays.

West Virginia Day Key Facts