West Virginia's War with William Kerrigan

July 01, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Professor William Kerrigan will discuss his new book, which explores the unique history of West Virginia, the only state born out of the Civil War. Western Virginians faced a dual crisis of allegiance and identity, torn between their historical ties to the secessionist state of Virginia and their loyalty to the Union. The population included a significant number of enslaved people, for whom the conflict’s outcome would have major consequences. Many Civil War narratives focus on major battles, but William Kerrigan shifts attention to the civilians of Western Virginia—both free and enslaved—who endured military occupation, raids, and guerrilla warfare. Civilians faced loyalty oaths, arrests, property destruction, and invasions by soldiers and partisans from both sides. Enslaved individuals played an active role, providing intelligence and assistance to Union forces and risking their lives for their freedom. The book highlights how the experiences of Western Virginia’s noncombatants, political leaders, and enslaved people contributed to the region’s turbulent transformation during and after the Civil War.

William Kerrigan is Professor Emeritus at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. In addition to West Virginia’s War (Ohio University Press, 2025) he is also the author of Johnny Appleseed and the American Orchard (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013) and a number of articles and local histories. He has been leading groups of students on Civil War tours of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia over the last fifteen years.

Lunch With Books Livestream starts at noon on Facebook and YouTube.

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"Lunch With Books" is the library’s flagship program for adult patrons. These lunchtime programs feature authors, poets, musicians, historians, and more every Tuesday at noon. Bring lunch (to the Library Auditorium or your computer), feed your brain!