How Much Do You Know About West Virginia Day? Quiz

June 20 is officially celebrated as West Virginia Day because it marks the date in 1863 when West Virginia became the 35th state of the United States. The date is unique because the state was born out of the Civil War, breaking away from Confederate Virginia. The celebration symbolizes independence, union loyalty, and state pride. Choosing this date memorializes not just statehood, but the political bravery involved in its separation. No other date—like July 4 or May 15—holds this exact historical significance for West Virginia’s origin.

The Civil War was the defining historical moment that led to the formation of West Virginia. When Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, many in the mountainous western region, who were loyal to the Union and opposed to slavery, chose not to go with it. This created both political and military tensions, eventually leading to the establishment of a separate government and state. Other conflicts like the Revolutionary War or War of 1812 had no direct consequence for WV’s creation.

Abraham Lincoln, during his presidency, approved the creation of West Virginia. In 1863, amidst the chaos of the Civil War, Lincoln signed the statehood proclamation, making WV the 35th state. This was a bold move, politically controversial, but Lincoln saw the loyalty of western Virginians as a critical asset. None of the other presidents listed had the constitutional authority or were alive during that pivotal moment in American history. His decision emphasized Union preservation and rewarded WV’s loyalty.

West Virginia officially became a state in 1863. This date is historically important because it happened during the Civil War, and West Virginia is the only state to form by seceding from a Confederate state. The year marks the success of a unique constitutional process where a state broke off and joined the Union legally while war raged. Dates like 1787 or 1815 pertain to other national milestones but are unrelated to WV’s journey to statehood.

Western Virginians disagreed with Virginia’s stance on slavery and secession. The region’s rugged terrain supported small farms rather than plantations, and most people opposed slavery and favored Union allegiance. This ideological split intensified when Virginia voted to join the Confederacy. The divide over values—not taxes, climate, or borders—sparked the movement for West Virginia to become its own state. The answer captures the moral and political motivations behind the split more accurately than geographical or financial explanations.

The Rhododendron is West Virginia’s state flower and has become a symbol associated with West Virginia Day. Its lush blooms are often used in celebrations and represent the state’s rich natural beauty. The flower reflects WV’s mountainous terrain and seasonal cycles. While cardinals and oaks are other state symbols in the U.S., they do not hold the same significance for WV. The coal helmet is culturally relevant but not a ceremonial symbol for the holiday itself.

West Virginia holds the unique status of being carved out of a Confederate state—Virginia—while becoming a Union state. This duality is unparalleled in American history. When Virginia joined the Confederacy, the northwestern counties rejected this and petitioned to form a new state. This unusual Civil War event created legal and political debates but was eventually accepted as constitutional. It wasn’t neutral, nor part of the Confederacy itself, making this distinction a defining identity trait for West Virginia.

The defining geographical feature of West Virginia is its mountainous landscape. Known as the Mountain State, WV is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains, giving it rugged beauty and influencing culture, economy, and even politics. Its topography contrasts with the coastal plains or desert areas of other states. These highlands also helped isolate communities historically and contributed to the region’s Union loyalty during the Civil War due to fewer plantations and a self-reliant economy.

“Mountaineers Are Always Free” is West Virginia’s bold state motto, reflecting its people’s independent spirit and resistance to domination, especially during the Civil War. This Latin phrase, Montani Semper Liberi, captures the ethos of West Virginians who fought to preserve their values and remain in the Union. It’s a motto of resilience and identity, standing apart from more generic sayings like “United We Stand” or “Strength in Numbers,” which apply to broader national sentiments but not this state’s unique path.

Charleston was the site of the first official West Virginia Day celebration. As the state capital, it naturally became the center of early commemorative events. Over time, the celebration spread statewide, but it began with formal recognition in Charleston. While cities like Wheeling played roles in the statehood process and Harpers Ferry is iconic in Civil War history, Charleston's position as the political hub made it the logical location for the earliest observance of the new state’s birthday.