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The Formation of West Virginia

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Image Credit: Senate.gov

Brief Description: West Virginia, originally called "Kanawha" was created after the state of Virginia seceded from the United States in 1861. Citizens in the western portion of Virginia opposed secession and subsequently formed their own government called the "Loyal Government of Virginia" which gave legitimacy to the formation of one state within another. President Lincoln approved the formation in 1862 and West Virginia officially became a state June 20, 1863.

 

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