Constitutional Convention of 1861–63

West Virginia constitutional convention began meeting in Wheeling

Convention approved the constitution

Other events that happened on or around February 18, 1862

First West Virginia constitution was ratified by voters

Constitutional Convention reconvened with Abraham D. Soper as president

The West Virginia Constitutional Convention adopted the Willey Amendment

Other events that happened on or around February 17, 1863

Revised constitution was approved by the voters

Any slave child born on this day or later was free

Other events that happened on or around July 04, 1863