National West Virginia Day
National West Virginia Day is a celebration honoring West Virginia as the last state created from one of the original thirteen colonies. This special day recognizes the Mountain State’s unique history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: June 20th annually
- Tagged as: State holiday in West Virginia
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalWestVirginiaDay
- When was it founded?: Informally celebrated since 1863, officially became a state holiday in 1927
- Who founded it?: The West Virginia Legislature gave the holiday formal recognition
History of National West Virginia Day
National West Virginia Day commemorates West Virginia’s admission to the Union on June 20, 1863. During the Civil War, when Virginia voted to secede from the Union, the western counties of Virginia remained loyal to the Union. These counties created their own constitution and approached Congress for statehood. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed on April 20, 1863, that West Virginia would be admitted to the United States as a separate state 60 days later, making it the 35th state and the only one formed from another state during the Civil War.
Timeline
- 1861: Virginia votes to secede from the Union
- 1863 (June 20): West Virginia officially becomes the 35th state
- 1864: West Virginia Day begins to be celebrated informally
- 1927: West Virginia Day becomes an official state holiday
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 20 | Friday |
| 2026 | June 20 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 20 | Sunday |
| 2028 | June 20 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | June 20 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | June 20 | Thursday |
How National West Virginia Day is Observed
West Virginia Day is celebrated through various festivities across the state. Celebrations include games, barbecues, concerts, art festivals, historic displays, exhibitions, guided tours, and reenactments of Civil War battles. The state capitol complex in Charleston typically hosts special events, and many communities organize local celebrations. Most state offices, schools, and libraries are closed for the holiday, allowing residents to participate in the festivities.
Fun Facts About West Virginia
- West Virginia is known as “The Mountain State” due to its three magnificent mountain ridges: the Allegheny, Appalachian, and Blue Ridge Mountains
- It is the largest producer of coal east of the Mississippi River
- West Virginia has vast beautiful landscapes with some of the largest forests in the country
- The state’s motto is “Montani semper liberi,” meaning “Mountaineers are always free”
- Harpers Ferry, where “the North meets South,” is rich with abolition movements and Civil War history
Quiz
- When did West Virginia become a state?
- Which president proclaimed West Virginia’s statehood?
- What is West Virginia’s nickname?
- What makes West Virginia’s formation unique among U.S. states?
(Answers: 1. June 20, 1863; 2. Abraham Lincoln; 3. The Mountain State; 4. It’s the only state formed from another state during the Civil War)
FAQs
Q: What happens if West Virginia Day falls on a Sunday?
A: If June 20 falls on a Sunday, West Virginia Day is observed on Monday, June 21.
Q: Why did West Virginia separate from Virginia?
A: West Virginia separated from Virginia during the Civil War because western Virginians remained loyal to the Union while Virginia voted to secede and join the Confederate States.
Q: Is West Virginia Day celebrated outside of West Virginia?
A: While it’s primarily celebrated within West Virginia as a state holiday, the day is recognized nationally as National West Virginia Day.
Importance of National West Virginia Day
National West Virginia Day is significant as it celebrates not just the birth of a state but also represents the resilience and determination of its people. The day serves as a reminder of West Virginia’s unique formation during a pivotal moment in American history. It highlights the state’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and contributions to American industry and culture. The celebration also boosts tourism, helping local communities and the state’s economy while fostering a sense of pride among West Virginians.
Related
- National Virginia Day
- U.S. State Holidays
- Civil War Commemorations
- Appalachian Heritage Day
- Mountain State Festival
