Charleston in Kanawha County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

The 35th Star

West Virginia Statehood

Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 18, 2011

1. The 35th Star Marker

Inscription.

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, concidered 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 , (Lower left picture) , West Virginia Capitol, completed 1885, burned 1921 Courtesy West Virginia Archives , (Right side picture) , U.S. Custom House (Independence Hall), Wheeling, in 1861 Courtesy West Virginia Archives

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, concidered 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

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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

(Lower left picture)
West Virginia Capitol, completed 1885, burned 1921 Courtesy West Virginia Archives
(Right side picture)
U.S. Custom House (Independence Hall), Wheeling, in 1861 Courtesy West Virginia Archives

Erected by West Virginia Civil War Trails.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1825.

Location. 38° 20.175′ N, 81° 36.975′ W. Marker is in Charleston, West Virginia, in Kanawha County. Marker is on Kanawha

Photographed By Shane Oliver, August 8, 2021

2. The 35th Star Marker

Marker has been damaged, but is still readable.

Blvd East (U.S. 60) near Greenbrier Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charleston WV 25311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); Executive Mansion (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 45th US Colored Infantry (about 500 feet away); Union Civil War Monument (about 700 feet away); The Restoration Chestnut (about 700 feet away); Slavery in West Virginia (about 800 feet away); Limestone • Sandstone • Silica (approx. 0.2 miles away); Coal (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

The 35th Star Marker, seen along Kanawha Blvd. E. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 18, 2011

3. The 35th Star Marker, seen along Kanawha Blvd. E.

Holly Grove, as mentioned, image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, May 18, 2011

4. Holly Grove, as mentioned,

Salt industry pioneer Daniel Ruffner built the house in 1815 as a tavern or "house of private entertainment."

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 896 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on September 23, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1. submitted on June 1, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on August 12, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on May 31, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.