Which historical event significantly impacted West Virginia’s statehood?

The Civil War was a pivotal event in the history of West Virginia's statehood. The state was formed during this tumultuous period, as tensions between Union and Confederate sympathizers created a deep divide in Virginia. When Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, the western counties, which largely opposed secession, chose to break away and form their own separate government. This led to the creation of the Restored Government of Virginia, which was loyal to the Union.

On June 20, 1863, West Virginia was officially admitted to the Union as the 35th state. The circumstances surrounding its statehood were directly tied to the issues of loyalty, governance, and representation during the Civil War. The other events listed, while important in their own contexts, did not have the same direct influence on West Virginia becoming a state. The Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Gold Rush occurred in different eras and contexts, crucial to American history, but not as closely connected to the unique circumstance of West Virginia's emergence as a state.