Today in Wheeling History: June 23--Governor Francis H. Pierpont, representing the Restored Government of Virginia (which controlled the Union-aligned counties of Virginia that would later become West Virginia), returned to Wheeling from an extensive trip to Washington D.C. and eastern Virginia, where he assessed Union sentiment, addressed Secessionist issues, and discussed West Virginia statehood prospects with Congressmen. (1862)
On June 23, 1862, Governor Francis H. Pierpont returned to Wheeling, Virginia, from an extensive trip to Washington D.C. and eastern Virginia. During his journey, he visited various locations including Alexandria, Virginia; Norfolk, Virginia; Portsmouth, Virginia; and parts of the Virginia Peninsula, assessing the Union sentiment and challenges in these areas. The Governor found a mix of loyalty and covert disloyalty, particularly in Alexandria. He addressed issues with Secessionists in Loudoun County, Virginia, by warning prominent figures, and observed the devastating effects of war on the Virginia countryside. In Portsmouth, Pierpont found strong Union support and authorized the formation of a new regiment. He also made appointments to manage institutions like the Williamsburg Lunatic Asylum in Virginia and planned to reorganize the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. While in Washington D.C., the Governor discussed the prospects of West Virginia statehood with Congressmen, finding general support among Republicans but facing opposition from some Democrats. Overall, Pierpont's trip provided him with a comprehensive view of the political and social landscape in Virginia during this critical period of the Civil War.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/57jsacbj) (https://tinyurl.com/yvch7ryn)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wikimedia Commons
On June 23, 1862, Governor Francis H. Pierpont returned to Wheeling, Virginia, from an extensive trip to Washington D.C. and eastern Virginia. During his journey, he visited various locations including Alexandria, Virginia; Norfolk, Virginia; Portsmouth, Virginia; and parts of the Virginia Peninsula, assessing the Union sentiment and challenges in these areas. The Governor found a mix of loyalty and covert disloyalty, particularly in Alexandria. He addressed issues with Secessionists in Loudoun County, Virginia, by warning prominent figures, and observed the devastating effects of war on the Virginia countryside. In Portsmouth, Pierpont found strong Union support and authorized the formation of a new regiment. He also made appointments to manage institutions like the Williamsburg Lunatic Asylum in Virginia and planned to reorganize the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. While in Washington D.C., the Governor discussed the prospects of West Virginia statehood with Congressmen, finding general support among Republicans but facing opposition from some Democrats. Overall, Pierpont's trip provided him with a comprehensive view of the political and social landscape in Virginia during this critical period of the Civil War.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/57jsacbj) (https://tinyurl.com/yvch7ryn)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wikimedia Commons
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