West Virginia

West Virginia: A Historical Rundown

Timeline:

• 1861: West Virginia seceded from Virginia and joined the Union during the Civil War.
• 1863: West Virginia became a state.
• 1873: The Railroad Strike temporarily halted the transportation of coal.
• 1921: The Battle of Blair Mountain, a labor uprising between coal miners and mine owners, resulted in the suppression of the union.
• 1935: The Social Security Act provided economic relief to West Virginians during the Great Depression.

Important Legislation:

• Second Morrill Act (1890): Established land-grant universities, including West Virginia University.
• Newlands Reclamation Act (1902): Authorized the construction of irrigation projects in arid regions.
• Hobbs Act (1946): Federal law restricting racketeering in the trucking industry.
• 1965 Voting Rights Act: Expanded voting rights for African Americans.

Important Court Cases:

• Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established the principle of judicial review.
• Loving v. Virginia (1967): Struck down anti-miscegenation laws.
• Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Major Industry:

• Coal Mining: West Virginia has been a major coal producer since the 19th century.

Impact on the Rest of the Country:

• West Virginia’s coal industry has played a vital role in the nation’s energy supply.
• The state’s commitment to social welfare and labor rights has shaped national policies.
• West Virginia’s participation in the Civil War contributed to the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery.