West Virginia Day marks the anniversary of West Virginia's admission to the Union in 1863. It is a public holiday in the state of West Virginia, honoring the unique history and formation of West Virginia during the American Civil War.

Table of Contents

1. When is West Virginia Day?
2. The History of West Virginia Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?

When is West Virginia Day?

West Virginia Day is celebrated annually on June 20th. This date commemorates June 20, 1863, when West Virginia officially became the 35th state of the United States during the Civil War.

The following is the list of West Virginia Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of West Virginia Day

The state's formation during the American Civil War is a unique story of political division, loyalty to the Union, and resilience.

By the mid-19th century, Virginia was deeply divided along economic, geographic, and political lines. The eastern region of Virginia, dominated by large plantations and reliant on slavery, contrasted sharply with the western counties, which had smaller farms, mountainous terrain, and less dependence on slavery. Western Virginians often felt underrepresented and ignored by the eastern elites in the state government.

In April 1861, Virginia voted to secede from the Union and join the Confederate States. Many people in the western counties opposed this decision, remaining loyal to the Union. This opposition set the stage for the creation of a new state.

Delegates from the western counties met at the Wheeling Conventions in May and June 1861 to discuss their future, and declared the secession of Virginia invalid and formed the Restored Government of Virginia, which remained loyal to the Union. This government, recognized by President Abraham Lincoln, laid the groundwork for the creation of West Virginia.

In 1862, a statehood proposal for West Virginia was sent to Congress, which approved the creation of the new state. President Lincoln signed the West Virginia Statehood Bill into law on December 31, 1862, contingent upon the state's agreement to include a gradual emancipation clause in its constitution. West Virginia adopted its state constitution with the required emancipation provision, and on June 20, 1863, West Virginia officially became a state.

The first formal observance of West Virginia's statehood took place in 1927, following a proclamation by Governor Howard Gore. In 1929, West Virginia Day was established as a legal state holiday, ensuring its annual celebration on June 20th.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On West Virginia Day, celebrated annually on June 20th, people across the state honor West Virginia's unique history, culture, and statehood with various activities and events.

Many towns host parades featuring local organizations, marching bands, and floats celebrating the history and culture of West Virginia. Participants often wear traditional Appalachian clothing or carry state flags.

Communities organize festivals showcasing Appalachian music, arts and crafts, and traditional West Virginian cuisine. In the evening, fireworks displays light up the sky in many cities and towns to mark the festive occasion.

Museums and historical sites, such as the West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling, often hold special exhibits, guided tours, and lectures. State and national flags are prominently displayed in homes, businesses, and public spaces.

Many families spend the day enjoying West Virginia's natural beauty by visiting state parks, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational areas.