But yet they seceeded from Virginia.
Kinda hypocritical, wasn't it?
West Viriginians saw themselves as part of the Union more than part of Virginia (which culturally, economically, and geographically, the western part of the state was completely separate from Richmond).
The way I always viewed it is that Richmond seceded from us. (I was born there).
I have always thought that West Virginia should have become “Virginia” during and after the war and the remainder of Richmond’s territory should have been called “East Virginia.”
The Union regiments from West Virginia at Antietam were called “Virginia” units. We should have gotten the name in the divorce - like Tina Turner did.
Not at all. The vote wasn't over the concept of secession. It was over whether or not to repudiate their ratification of the Constitution and leave the United States.
The people of West Virginia were perfectly consistent in wanting to remain in the United States, either as part of Virginia or as part of their own state. A state, by the way, which was something they'd been talking about since the Revolution but which Virginia, which held the power, would never allow.
It's Virginia that was hypocritical for demanding the right to secede for itself, but denying that same power to its people.