A quiet yearning echoes across the Allegheny Front. For over 160 years, since West Virginia bravely broke from Virginia to stand with the Union, a persistent question lingers: who truly feels left behind? Recent political shifts in Virginia have reignited this debate, prompting a renewed invitation from West Virginia – a call to kindred spirits to rediscover a sense of belonging.
The roots of this division run deep, stretching back to the Civil War era. While much of what is now West Virginia held little allegiance to the institution of slavery – famously hosting John Brown’s desperate raid – a widening cultural and political chasm has grown over time. It’s a story of diverging values, of rural communities feeling increasingly distant from the priorities of urban centers.
State Senator Chris Rose has given voice to this sentiment with his “VEXIT” movement, a bold proposition mirroring the British “BREXIT.” He envisions a homecoming for “true Virginians,” those who feel their Appalachian heritage and freedoms are fading within the current political landscape. The image of the historic “Appeal to Heaven” flag – flown during the Revolution – serves as a powerful symbol of this call to action.
The recent redrawing of Virginia’s congressional map, favoring the heavily populated areas of Fairfax County and Richmond, proved to be a catalyst. Leaders in West Virginia see an opportunity to offer a haven for those who feel disenfranchised, a place where their voices won’t be drowned out by distant political currents.
Governor Patrick Morrisey has openly embraced the idea, declaring West Virginia “open for business” and ready to welcome those seeking a more aligned environment. He paints a picture of a state offering hope and opportunity, a stark contrast to what he describes as Virginia’s drift towards restrictive policies and “woke nonsense.”
This isn’t a new conversation. Past efforts have included legislative proposals to formally invite counties stretching from Big Stone Gap to Luray – and even parts of Maryland’s panhandle – to join West Virginia. The potential benefit? An additional congressional seat, strengthening the representation of a region that feels increasingly overlooked.
Former Governor Jim Justice, alongside the influential Reverend Jerry Falwell Jr., previously championed the “VEXIT” idea, emphasizing the shared cultural identity between Appalachian Virginia and West Virginia. The sentiment was simple: if you’re unhappy, there’s a welcoming embrace waiting just across the mountains.
The historical argument is also compelling. Some believe certain Virginia counties were originally intended to be part of West Virginia, citing an 1862 law consenting to the inclusion of Berkeley, Jefferson, and Frederick counties. While only the first two ultimately joined, the question of historical alignment remains.
Delegate Gary Howell eloquently captures the essence of the movement, stating that communities in the Shenandoah Valley and southwest Virginia share more with West Virginia than with the eastern parts of their state. It’s a feeling of “coming home,” a reconnection with shared values and a common way of life.
Even during the recent gubernatorial race, the issue surfaced, with candidate Winsome Sears proposing a “second governor’s office” west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, acknowledging the feeling of neglect among constituents geographically closer to other state capitals. A common refrain echoes throughout southwestern Virginia: “Virginia ends at Roanoke.”
