West Virginia: From the Mountains to Statehood

West Virginia is located in the Appalachian region of the United States. It has a deep and diverse history that spans over two centuries, from its beginnings as part of the Virginia Colony to its vital role in the American Civil War and the industrial revolution.

Early Inhabitants and European Settlement

Before European settlers arrived, the land that is now West Virginia was home to Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Delaware. These tribes built complex societies and traded widely across the region. Their way of life changed dramatically when European settlers moved into the area in the late 1700s.

Industry and the Path to Statehood

In the early 1800s, West Virginia became known for its coal and salt industries, attracting new settlers and workers. When the Civil War began in 1861, the region was deeply divided. Many people in western Virginia supported the Union, while others sided with the Confederacy. The citizens of the western region, long feeling neglected by leaders in Richmond, opposed secession and formed their own “Loyal Government of Virginia.” Their opposition to slavery and secession helped pave the way for statehood. President Abraham Lincoln approved their request in 1862, and West Virginia officially became a state on June 20, 1863.

The John Brown Rebellion was a major cause of the Civil War. It occurred in Harper's Ferry, Virginia, in 1859. Four years later, Harper's Ferry was part of West Virginia when President Lincoln made it a state.

Reconstruction and Industrial Growth

After the Civil War, West Virginia entered the Reconstruction era, rebuilding its economy and society while expanding the rights of freed African Americans. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, the state became a major center for coal mining and manufacturing. Its hills also echoed with music, as Appalachian folk and early country music began to take shape.

Labor Movements and Modern Identity

In the 20th century, West Virginia played a crucial role in the labor movement, with miners leading strikes for better wages and safer conditions. Today, the state remains proud of its cultural heritage, mountain traditions, and artistic contributions to America’s story.

New River Gorge recently became West Virginia's first national park.

Discussion Questions

1. Why did many citizens in western Virginia oppose secession from the Union during the Civil War?
2. How did geography influence the economy and culture of West Virginia?
3. What role did West Virginia play in the growth of the labor movement?
4. How have West Virginia’s musical traditions influenced American culture?

Glossary

• Appalachian: Referring to the mountain range stretching from Canada to Alabama.
• Secession: The act of withdrawing from a political union, such as the Confederacy leaving the United States.
• Reconstruction: The period after the Civil War focused on rebuilding the South and securing rights for freed slaves.
• Industrial Revolution: A period of rapid industrial growth during the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Labor Movement: A movement by workers to secure better wages, working conditions, and rights.

West Virginia Historical Timeline

• 1600s – Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, inhabit the region.
• 1750s – European settlers begin moving into western Virginia.
• 1776 – Virginia becomes one of the original thirteen colonies to form the United States.
• 1800s – Coal and salt industries grow rapidly in the Appalachian region.
• 1861 – The Civil War begins; western Virginians oppose secession.
• 1862 – President Lincoln approves the creation of a new state.
• June 20, 1863 – West Virginia becomes the 35th state in the Union.
• 1870s – Reconstruction brings political and social changes.
• 1880s–1900s – Coal mining and manufacturing industries expand.
• 1920s – Labor strikes by coal miners shape the national labor movement.
• 1930s – The Great Depression impacts West Virginia’s coal economy.
• 1950s – Appalachian folk and country music gain national popularity.
• 1972 – The Buffalo Creek Flood becomes one of the worst mining-related disasters in U.S. history.
• 2000s – Efforts increase to diversify West Virginia’s economy beyond coal.
• 2020s – West Virginia continues to balance its industrial past with cultural and economic renewal.