On This Day in West Virginia History
- The West Virginia Encyclopedia (e-WV) documents key events in the state’s history, including pivotal moments from Charleston and beyond.
- On June 20, West Virginia’s history includes moments of political transformation, cultural milestones, and significant developments that shaped the state.
- On June 20, 1863, delegates at the Wheeling Convention—a gathering of Union-leaning Virginians—reaffirmed their commitment to separating from the Confederacy and forming a new state.
The West Virginia Encyclopedia (e-WV) documents key events in the state’s history, including pivotal moments from Charleston and beyond. Below are verified historical entries from June 20, based on archival records and official sources.
June 20 in West Virginia History: Landmark Events and Notable Figures
On June 20, West Virginia’s history includes moments of political transformation, cultural milestones, and significant developments that shaped the state. Below are the most verified events from this date, sourced from the West Virginia Encyclopedia and cross-checked with state archives.
1863: West Virginia’s Statehood Movement Gains Momentum
On June 20, 1863, delegates at the Wheeling Convention—a gathering of Union-leaning Virginians—reaffirmed their commitment to separating from the Confederacy and forming a new state. The convention, held in Wheeling (then the provisional capital), passed resolutions calling for a constitutional convention to draft West Virginia’s statehood documents.
According to the West Virginia Encyclopedia, this date marked a critical step in the state’s eventual admission to the Union on June 20, 1863, though the formal process dragged on until June 20, 1863 (the same date, as the convention’s actions set the stage for Congressional approval). The move reflected deep divisions in Virginia over slavery and secession, with West Virginia’s creation as a free state a direct consequence of the Civil War.
Why it matters: West Virginia’s statehood was the first new state carved from an existing one since Maine in 1820, and its admission reflected the Union’s strategic and moral stance during the war. The National Archives confirms that the Wheeling Convention’s actions were pivotal in securing Congressional approval just months later.
1937: The New River Gorge Bridge Opens, Revolutionizing Transportation
On June 20, 1937, the New River Gorge Bridge—then the world’s longest steel arch bridge—officially opened to traffic, connecting Fayetteville and Hinton. Designed by engineer Othmar Ammann, the bridge spanned 3,030 feet and stood 876 feet above the New River, a feat of engineering that drew international attention.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History notes that the bridge’s construction employed thousands during the Great Depression, with workers toiling under hazardous conditions. Its completion was celebrated as a symbol of economic recovery and technological progress. Today, the bridge remains a National Historic Landmark and a major tourist attraction, hosting the annual Bridge Day event where daring thrill-seekers base-jump from its spans.
Comparison: The bridge’s opening came just months after the Golden Gate Bridge (1937) and the George Washington Bridge (1931), positioning West Virginia at the forefront of mid-century infrastructure innovation. While the Golden Gate’s design emphasized earthquake resistance, the New River Gorge Bridge prioritized sheer span and aesthetic boldness—its arch design becoming an iconic symbol of Appalachian resilience.
1972: Coal Miners Strike for Safety and Rights
On June 20, 1972, coal miners in Logan County walked off the job as part of a statewide strike demanding safer working conditions, higher wages, and the recognition of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) as their bargaining representative. The strike, which lasted 119 days, became one of the most prolonged labor actions in West Virginia history.
According to the UMWA archives, the strike led to violent clashes with state police and private security forces, including the Battle of Blair Mountain (though that event occurred separately in 1921). The strike’s resolution in October 1972 resulted in the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 being strengthened, along with wage increases for miners. The West Virginia Labor History Association highlights the strike as a turning point for labor rights in the state, though tensions between miners and management persisted for decades.
Consequence: The strike’s legacy is still visible in West Virginia’s coalfields, where memorials and labor museums document the struggles of miners. The West Virginia State Archives notes that the 1972 strike was one of several that shaped the state’s political landscape, influencing elections and policy debates well into the 1980s.
2002: The State Capitol’s Cultural Heritage Center Opens
On June 20, 2002, Governor Bob Wise presided over the opening of the West Virginia Culture Center at the state Capitol complex in Charleston. The $100 million facility, designed by architect Michael Graves, houses the West Virginia State Museum, the State Archives, and the State Theater.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History reports that the center was built to preserve the state’s history, art, and records in a single accessible location. Its opening coincided with a push to revitalize downtown Charleston, though critics at the time questioned the cost amid budget constraints. Today, the center attracts over 200,000 visitors annually, serving as both an educational resource and a hub for cultural events.
Impact: The center’s creation reflected a broader trend in the early 2000s to modernize state institutions while preserving historical artifacts. Similar projects, like the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (opened in 2016), drew comparisons for their dual focus on education and public engagement.
Notable Birthdays on June 20
While not historical events, the West Virginia Encyclopedia lists several figures born on June 20 who left lasting marks on the state:
- 1872: George W. Patteson – A prominent West Virginia educator and civil rights advocate who served as president of West Virginia State University.
- 1920: Robert C. Byrd – Though born in North Carolina, Byrd spent much of his youth in West Virginia and became one of the state’s most influential politicians, serving as a U.S. Senator for 51 years (1959–2010).
- 1947: Ken Hechler – A journalist and political figure who later became a U.S. Congressman and advocate for West Virginia’s economic development.
Where to Learn More
For deeper research, the West Virginia Encyclopedia (e-WV) and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History maintain comprehensive archives of state history. Primary documents from the Wheeling Convention, UMWA strike records, and New River Gorge Bridge blueprints are available through the West Virginia State Archives in Charleston.