Why did the state of West Virginia form?

Answer 1

The routine answer is that they opposed slavery and desired to remain loyal to the Union. For some this was surely true, however it must be remembered that much of what would become West Virginia was already occupied by the Union Army and was heavily influenced by that factor when they seceded from Virginia.

Answer 2

. Conflict grew between the eastern countries of Virginia that relied on slavery and western countries that favored abolition of slavery.

. The disagreement between the two regions of the state led to the formation of West Virginia.