Today in Wheeling History: May 13—The First Wheeling Convention convened at Washington Hall, bringing together western Virginia delegates to discuss opposition to secession (1861).
The First Wheeling Convention, held from May 13 to May 15, 1861, was a pivotal moment in the creation of West Virginia. Delegates from 27 northwestern Virginia counties gathered at Washington Hall in Wheeling to determine their response to Virginia’s Ordinance of Secession, which had been passed on April 17, 1861, but was awaiting a statewide vote on May 23.
The convention was chaired by William B. Zinn of Preston County, with George Latham of Taylor County serving as secretary. A heated debate arose over delegate representation, with General John Jay Jackson advocating for broad participation, while John Carlile insisted that only officially appointed representatives should be seated. Ultimately, a compromise was reached, allowing the formation of a committee on representation.
Carlile pushed for immediate action, even proposing the creation of a new state called New Virginia, but most delegates favored waiting until the secession vote was finalized. The convention concluded with a resolution to hold a second Wheeling Convention on June 11, 1861, if Virginia officially seceded. This second convention would ultimately lead to the formation of West Virginia.
To learn more: West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture & History (https://tinyurl.com/23sh4e8j), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/34nfv47v), WV Encyclopedia (https://tinyurl.com/5d923y5s)
Photo credits: West Virginia State Archives, Culture & History, Wikimedia Commons, The Historical Marker Database
The First Wheeling Convention, held from May 13 to May 15, 1861, was a pivotal moment in the creation of West Virginia. Delegates from 27 northwestern Virginia counties gathered at Washington Hall in Wheeling to determine their response to Virginia’s Ordinance of Secession, which had been passed on April 17, 1861, but was awaiting a statewide vote on May 23.
The convention was chaired by William B. Zinn of Preston County, with George Latham of Taylor County serving as secretary. A heated debate arose over delegate representation, with General John Jay Jackson advocating for broad participation, while John Carlile insisted that only officially appointed representatives should be seated. Ultimately, a compromise was reached, allowing the formation of a committee on representation.
Carlile pushed for immediate action, even proposing the creation of a new state called New Virginia, but most delegates favored waiting until the secession vote was finalized. The convention concluded with a resolution to hold a second Wheeling Convention on June 11, 1861, if Virginia officially seceded. This second convention would ultimately lead to the formation of West Virginia.
To learn more: West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture & History (https://tinyurl.com/23sh4e8j), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/34nfv47v), WV Encyclopedia (https://tinyurl.com/5d923y5s)
Photo credits: West Virginia State Archives, Culture & History, Wikimedia Commons, The Historical Marker Database
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