The 35th Star

The 35th Star. West Virginia Statehood. , Sectional differences in western and eastern Virginia fueled resentment and political divisions before the Civil War. The divisions soon became irrevocable after the convention in Richmond voted on April 17, 1861, for Virginia to secede and join the Confederacy. Far to the north of here, Wheeling, delegates of Virginia's western counties convened in June. They first reorganized and restored the loyal government of Virginia, and then subsequently decided to create a new, loyal state from Virginia's western counties. In the midst of the conflict, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill creating West Virginia. On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the only state born of the Civil War., Wheeling became the state capitol - but not for long. In 1870, the seat of government moved south to Charleston after former Confederates regained the right to vote. Lawmakers, however, considered Charleston isolated and provincial (with a population of only 3,162), so the capitol returned to Wheeling, which had 19,280 residents. A statewide referendum eventually settled the issue, and Charleston became the permanent capital in 1885., Salt industry pioneer Daniel Ruffner built the house behind you in 1815 as a tavern or "house of private entertainment." It was ideally situated on a well established transportation route, the James River and Kanawha Turnpike. By the time of the Civil War, this area (including the present capitol complex) was part of his estate called Holly Grove., Civil War- and Military-Related Statuary on Capitol Grounds; , . Union Soldier (West Virginians in Union service), SW corner , . Lincoln Walks at Midnight (Creation of West Virginia),S riverfront lawn , . Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson (Confederate soldiers),SE corner , . Montani Semper Liberi (Men and Women of the Union), NE corner , . Booker T. Washington (Famed African American Educator), N side , . War Veterans Memorial, between Culture Center and parking garage