February 1
At the Constitutional Convention, delegates debated whether state revenue funds should be used primarily to pay off the new state?s portion of Virginia's debt or use those funds for "works of internal improvement" and "erecting public buildings."
The delegates elected to the Restored Government of Virginia adopted a resolution that tasked a committee with investigating the treatment of Confederate prisoners in Wheeling.
A bridge over the Gauley River, which had been burned by Confederates and rebuilt by Union troops, opened for travel.
February 2
February 3
Delegates at the Constitutional Convention debated if corporations should be able to receive loans from state revenue.
Rebels evacuated Romney.
The House of Delegates passed a law requiring individuals needing a license to conduct business and certain other individuals to take an oath of allegiance.
Col. Jenifer, at Mercer Court-House, ordered Lt. Col. Peters to send four companies of the 45th Virginia Regiment to Salt Sulphur Springs to support Col. Reynolds.
February 4
At the Constitutional Convention, the Committee on Education presented a bill that would use revenue from land taxation to fund public schools.
A singing society serenaded Capt. Phillip Daum in Wheeling.
February 5
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention worked to define what powers and limitations would be available to the governor.
A banquet to members of the legislature and constitutional convention was held at Washington Hall in Wheeling.
February 6
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention reopened the Committee on Education's report for further debate.
February 7
At the Constitutional Convention, the Committee on Fundamental and General Provisions presented several additions that focused on implementation of the Bill of Rights in the new state?s constitution.
Romney was reoccupied by Union forces commanded by General Frederick W. Lander.
A skirmish was fought at Harpers Ferry.
February 8
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention passed an amended version of the previous day's report from the Committee on the Legislative Department.
The Restored Government of Virginia sought to improve travel and navigation on the Kanawha River and nearby roads by reinstating the Kanawha Board.
A skirmish occurred near Blue Stone in Mercer County.
A skirmish was fought at Linn Creek in Logan County.
February 9
February 10
At the Constitutional Convention, reports from several committees were considered and amended. The reports affected the judiciary and executive branches in addition to general provisions.
The Restored Government of Virginia passed an act that aimed to forbid residents of Virginia from joining the Confederate Army.
February 11
Debates at the Constitutional Convention focused on which counties to include automatically and which ones should be incorporated through a vote.
Private Samuel Geho of the 11th West Virginia, stationed at Wirt Courthouse, was murdered by a member of his company.
February 12
At the Constitutional Convention, Gordon Battelle, the abolitionist who proposed gradual emancipation at the January 27 session, offered the following proposal: "No slave shall be brought or free person of color come into this State for permanent residence after this Constitution goes into operation."
February 13
Delegates at the Constitutional Convention passed Battelle's proposal with only one vote against.
Gen. Edward Johnson, at Camp Allegheny, issued orders prohibiting liquor in items sent to officers and men.
February 14
At the Constitutional Convention, additional laws to govern state land were presented.
A skirmish occurred near Bloomery Gap.
February 15
At the Constitutional Convention delegates debated over the election process for local and county officials.
A group of citizens met in Shinnston and passed resolutions critical of their representatives in the legislature, John J. Davis and John C. Vance.
February 16
A small body of soldiers sent to Bloomery to reconnoiter were ambushed.
February 17
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention enacted resolutions designed to fund their travel expenses.
General William S. Rosecrans issued orders regarding property captured from rebels.
Cannon were fired in Wheeling to celebrate the capture of Fort Donelson.
February 18
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention unanimously approved a constitution for the new state of West Virginia.
In reaction to the victory at Ft. Donelson, Gen. Rosecrans had 33 guns fired in Wheeling.
A New State meeting was held in the Convention Hall of the Custom House in Wheeling.
February 19
February 20
February 21
Gen. Rosecrans issued special orders for observance of Washington's birthday.
February 22
Jefferson Davis was inaugurated in Richmond for a 6-year term as president of the Confederate States of America.
Washington's birthday was celebrated in Wheeling.
February 23
February 24
Harpers Ferry was occupied by Federal troops.
Five soldiers drowned while crossing the Potomac at Harpers Ferry.
February 25
In order to aid the Union cause in western Virginia, the Restored Government of Virginia passed an act that improved the roads which transported military wagons between Warm Springs, Bath County and Marlin?s Bottom, Pocahontas County.
Confederate General Henry Heth and his staff arrived in Lewisburg.
February 26
Rebels led by a man named Sheets attempted to destroy the bridge over Patterson's Creek again.
February 27
Union cavalry units captured a few members of the Dixie Boys and Captain Lane?s company near Franklin in Pendleton County.
February 28
Charlestown was occupied by Union troops.