History of West Virginia

History of West Virginia
By year Prehistory (before 17th c.) Protohistory U.S. Civil War Since 1900 Topics: African-Americans - Environment - Politics
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The history of West Virginia stems from the 1861 Wheeling Convention, which was an assembly of northwestern Southern Unionist from northwestern counties of the state of Virginia. They aimed to repeal the Ordinance of Secession that Virginia made at the start of the American Civil War (1861–1865). West Virginia was formed and recognized by the U.S. Congress on June 20, 1863, and protected by the U.S. Army.

The area that comprises West Virginia was originally part of the British Virginia Colony (1607–1776) and the western part of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia (1776–1788), and state of Virginia (1788–1863). Western Virginia became sharply divided over the issue of secession from the Union, leading to the separation from Virginia, and formalized by West Virginia's admittance to the Union as a new state in 1863. West Virginia was one of five Civil War border states.

During the late 19th and early 20th century West Virginia saw its population grow, due in large part to the economic job opportunities provided by the coal and logging industries. Since the mid-20th century, West Virginia has experienced population declines due in large part to its citizens leaving for opportunities elsewhere. West Virginia's history has been profoundly affected by its mountainous terrain, spectacular river valleys, and rich natural resources. These were all factors driving its state economy and the lifestyles of residents, as well as drawing visitors to the state. West Virginia's nickname is known as the "Mountain State" due to its landscape being largely covered by the Appalachian Mountains.