In which year did West Virginia achieve statehood?

West Virginia achieved statehood in 1863 as a result of a unique historical context surrounding the American Civil War. The state was formed when the northwestern counties of Virginia decided to secede from the Confederacy in 1861, largely because of their opposition to slavery and their loyalty to the Union. After a series of events, including a western Virginia convention that declared independence from Virginia, West Virginia was officially admitted to the Union as the 35th state on June 20, 1863. This date is commemorated in West Virginia as West Virginia Day. The year 1863 is significant not only for its role in the state’s formation but also reflects a period of profound national conflict and change.