On December 31, 1862, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation, creating the State of West Virginia. The Bill split the western section of Virginia from the rest of the state, which had left the Union to join the Confederacy. However, West Virginia was not granted formal statehood until this legislation took effect on June 20, 1863 after a statewide referendum approved the measure.



Read a history of the creation of West Virginia and learn more about the process from the state archives.