A meeting known as the First Wheeling Convention was held May 13-15, 1861, to figure out what western Virginia should do about the secession crisis. Some delegates, such as John Carlile, wanted to create a new state right away. Others thought they should wait until after Virginia's official secession vote on May 23.

They decided to wait. If Virginia officially seceded, they would hold another meeting in June.

Virginia did vote to secede. So, the Second Wheeling Convention was scheduled for June to start the actual process of creating West Virginia.

The First Wheeling Convention didn't accomplish much. However, it was an important first step. It helped keep order in the western counties during a chaotic time and began laying out plans for a new government loyal to the United States.