Celebrated annually on June 20, West Virginia Day celebrates the state's 1863 admission to the Union. During the American Civil War, Virginia became sharply divided over if it should leave the United States and join the Confederate States. As a result of this and the early political and social divisions, 50 counties separated from Virginia and the state of West Virginia was created. On April 20, 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed that West Virginia would be admitted to the United States as a separate state 60 days later. On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became a member of the Union. From 1864, West Virginia Day was celebrated informally and became a state holiday in 1927.