City of Charleston

Charleston, WV, is a bustling city, a cultural Mecca and a historical reminder of West Virginia's wild and wonderful past.


Amid the tumultuous Civil War, West Virginia officially became a state through Presidential Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln declared the northwestern portion of Virginia to be returned to the Union, and on June 20, 1863, West Virginia became a state.


Although the state now existed, settling on a state capital location proved to be difficult. For several years, the capital of West Virginia intermittently traveled between Wheeling and Charleston. In 1877, however, state citizens voted on the final location of their capital. Charleston was chosen and eight years later, the first capitol building was opened.

The vivid past surrounding the capital and the state makes the capitol complex a great place to begin a discovery of West Virginia. The state museum and cultural center are full of exciting exhibits and events that give visitors a glimpse into the rich tradition and culture celebrated in the people of West Virginia. Searchable historical and genealogical archives are located here.