West Virginia Secedes...from the Confederacy

(WEST VIRGINIA). Acts of the General Assembly, Passed at the Extra Session, Held May Sixth, 1862, at...Wheeling. Wheeling, [W. Va.]: A.S. Trowbridge, State [sic] Printer, 1862. 1st ed. 8vo. 31 pp. Sewn, orig. printed front wrap (chipped & detached). $200.00

Norona & Shetler 935. Overwhelming opposition to secession in the western counties of Virginia led to the organization of a provisional government, loyal to the Union, at Wheeling in May, 1861. When the war dragged on this government petitioned for statehod. The first act printed here is one 'giving the consent of the [provisional] Legislature of Virginia to the formation and erection of a new State within the jurisdiction of this State..." Legislation establishing West Virginia as a separate state was enacted by the U.S. Congress and approved by President Lincoln on December 31, 1862, and went into effect on June 20 of the following year.