National West Virginia Day

National West Virginia Day is observed every year on March 22. In 2027, this date falls on a Monday. This informal national observance recognizes West Virginia’s history, culture, landscapes, and place as the 35th state. It is separate from West Virginia Day, the official state holiday connected with statehood on June 20. The day is a natural fit for learning about the Mountain State, exploring Appalachian heritage, and appreciating the communities, music, food, forests, rivers, and mountain ridges that shape West Virginia’s identity. ^{1 2}

See also: Statehood Day in Kentucky, National Miners Day, Jamestown Day

History of National West Virginia Day

National West Virginia Day is tied to a modern series of observances that recognize each U.S. state, rather than to an act of Congress or a state law. Its focus is West Virginia’s distinctive path into the Union and the culture that developed in the Appalachian mountains. During the Civil War, many people in northwestern Virginia opposed Virginia’s secession from the United States. West Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 35th state on June 20, 1863.

The state’s official birthday is remembered separately as West Virginia Day, a legal state holiday that became formally recognized in 1927. National West Virginia Day gives a broader audience a reason to look at that same story before the June anniversary arrives. Today, the observance is mainly used to highlight West Virginia’s statehood story, outdoor beauty, Appalachian traditions, and regional pride. It also points readers toward places such as Wheeling, Charleston, Harpers Ferry, and the New River Gorge, where history and landscape are closely connected.

Why is National West Virginia Day important?

National West Virginia Day matters because West Virginia has one of the most unusual statehood stories in the United States. The state was formed during the Civil War after Unionist leaders in western Virginia separated politically from the Confederate government in Richmond. That history reflects conflicts over representation, geography, slavery, loyalty, and local identity. Learning the story helps explain why West Virginia’s admission to the Union is remembered with such strong state pride.

The day also brings attention to a culture shaped by mountains, rivers, coalfields, music, crafts, family roots, and small communities. West Virginia is often described through scenery, but its identity is also found in labor history, Appalachian foodways, traditional music, and local storytelling. Recognizing the state in this way can make the observance useful for classrooms, travelers, families with West Virginia roots, and anyone interested in American regional history. It encourages a more complete view of a state that has influenced industry, culture, and outdoor recreation far beyond its borders.

• It highlights a state born during the Civil War.
• It gives Appalachian history more attention.
• It honors West Virginia’s landscapes and communities.
• It helps people distinguish the March observance from West Virginia Day.
• It invites deeper learning about the Mountain State.

How to Celebrate National West Virginia Day

Read about West Virginia’s statehood, especially the Wheeling conventions, President Abraham Lincoln’s role, and the events that led to admission in 1863. Look up photographs or maps of the New River Gorge, Harpers Ferry, the Allegheny Mountains, or the Monongahela National Forest. Cook or buy a West Virginia favorite such as pepperoni rolls, or listen to bluegrass, old-time, or gospel music connected with Appalachian traditions. Anyone planning travel can use the day to build a West Virginia bucket list of historic sites, state parks, museums, scenic drives, and small towns.

The day can also be marked through family history, local reading, and community conversation. People with West Virginia connections might share a story about a hometown, coal camp, family recipe, school, church, river, or mountain road. Teachers can use the observance to explain how geography and politics shaped statehood. Travelers can support local makers, restaurants, guides, museums, and heritage sites that keep West Virginia’s story visible.

• Read a short history of West Virginia statehood.
• Make pepperoni rolls or another regional dish.
• Listen to Appalachian music from West Virginia artists.
• Plan a visit to a state park or historic site.
• Share a memory or photo from the Mountain State.

National West Virginia Day Dates

1. https://wvstatemuseumed.wv.gov/2025/state-symbols.html[↩]
2. https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/entries/996[↩]