Existing comment:
1861 to 1876:
If Virginians were instrumental in creating the Union in 1776, they were also pivotal in breaking it apart eighty-five years later. Most Virginians rejected secession until they were called upon to provide troops for invading the other southern slave states. The far northwestern counties refused to secede and instead formed West Virginia. Virginia became the bloodiest battleground of the war. At its conclusion, slavery was ended and black males could vote, but the workload and standard of living of African Americans changed little. Virginia was put under military rule for five years. |