In addition to Father\u2019s Day, there\u2019s another reason to celebrate here in West Virginia. On June 11, 1861 delegates met in Wheeling and nullified the Virginian ordinance of secession and proclaimed \u201cThe Restored Government of Virginia,\u201d thereby refusing to secede from the Union as part of Virginia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
West Virginian statehood was approved in a referendum and a state constitution drawn up. In April, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the admission of West Virginia into the Union effective June 20, 1863<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Virginia decided to secede from the Union, West Virginia became the only state to declare its independence from the Confederacy and the only state to gain statehood by Presidential proclamation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Happy 158th Birthday to the state where \u201cMountaineers are always free.\u201d
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In addition to Father\u2019s Day, there\u2019s another reason to celebrate here in West Virginia. On June 11, 1861 delegates met in Wheeling and nullified the Virginian ordinance of secession and proclaimed \u201cThe Restored Government of Virginia,\u201d thereby refusing to secede … Continue reading