West Virginia's War: The Civil War in Documents

West Virginia is the only state born out of the Civil War, and this collection explores that unique history through the eyes of civilians rather than battlefield generals. Editor William Kerrigan brings together documents showing how both free and enslaved Western Virginians endured occupation, raids, loyalty oaths, and property seizure, with enslaved individuals often risking their lives to aid Union forces.

The book also follows the political leaders who first rejected secession from the Union, then pursued West Virginia's own separation from Virginia, and the difficult postwar reconstruction that followed as the new state took shape.

• 292 pages
• Paperback
• Publication date: June 24, 2025
• Edited by: William Kerrigan