What significant event took place on April 22, 1861, in Clarksburg, West Virginia?

On April 22, 1861, a critical event occurred in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where a delegation was chosen to meet in Wheeling. This gathering set the stage for further political actions during the tumultuous period of the Civil War. As the war escalated, many in the western counties of Virginia felt disconnected from the eastern part, which largely supported the Confederacy. The choice of a delegation was significant as it represented a shift towards formal political organization among these counties, who were seeking to separate from Virginia and form their own state, ultimately leading to the creation of West Virginia. This action was a decisive step for those advocating for statehood and aligning with the Union cause.