West Virginia Senator Proposes Unification with Counties from Virginia and Maryland

West Virginia State Senator Chris Rose has introduced a resolution extending an invitation to 27 counties in Virginia and three counties in Maryland, including Washington County, to consider joining the Mountain State. This initiative, detailed in a recent press release, aims to foster stronger regional connections and bolster shared Appalachian identities. The proposed realignment seeks to align communities with governance that better reflects their local priorities and values.

The resolution draws a parallel to West Virginia’s own formation in 1863, when certain counties seceded from Virginia during a period of national division. The Virginia counties invited to explore this potential union include Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Clarke, Craig, Dickenson, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Highland, Lee, Page, Patrick, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, Wise, and Wythe. From Maryland, the counties under consideration are Allegany, Garrett, and Washington. These areas are noted for their shared geographical proximity, economic interests, cultural heritage, and historical ties to West Virginia, all rooted in a common Appalachian experience characterized by rural living and a strong emphasis on individual liberties.

According to the resolution, this move is partly motivated by residents’ concerns that current state policies in Virginia and Maryland may not adequately address local needs and priorities. Specific issues cited include the protection of Second Amendment rights, the advancement of economic development initiatives tailored to rural areas, and ensuring robust representation for these communities within their respective states. The proposal suggests that by uniting with West Virginia, these counties could find a governance structure that more closely aligns with their fundamental beliefs and practical requirements.

The resolution outlines the constitutional framework for such a territorial change, noting that any realignment would necessitate the approval of the legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, as well as the U.S. Congress, in accordance with Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution. It encourages a comprehensive process involving discussions, potential referenda, and collaborative efforts among residents, local officials, and state leaders from all involved jurisdictions to explore the feasibility and desirability of such a union.

To facilitate these discussions, copies of the resolution are slated to be distributed to the governors and legislative leaders of Virginia and Maryland. Additionally, the county commissions in the specified Virginia and Maryland counties, as well as West Virginia’s congressional delegation, will receive copies. This broad distribution aims to initiate a dialogue about the potential benefits and processes involved in such a significant regional consolidation.

A copy of the actual resolution could not be immediately located, but has been requested from the Senator. A follow-up article with feedback from county and state representatives is planned.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from a press release from West Virginia State Senator Chris Rose.

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