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Slavery and Democracy in Antebellum Northwestern Virginia, 1815--1865

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Slavery and Democracy in Antebellum Northwestern Virginia, 1815--1865 Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports 2016 Bound Together: Slavery and Democracy in Antebellum Northwestern Virginia, 1815--1865 Adam Zucconi Follow this and additional works at: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd Recommended Citation Zucconi, Adam, "Bound Together: Slavery and Democracy in Antebellum Northwestern Virginia, 1815--1865" (2016). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 7058. https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/7058 This Dissertation is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by the The Research Repository @ WVU with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Dissertation in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you must obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Dissertation has been accepted for inclusion in WVU Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports collection by an authorized administrator of The Research Repository @ WVU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Bound Together: Slavery and Democracy in Antebellum Northwestern Virginia, 1815-1865 Adam Zucconi Dissertation submitted to the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in History Jason Phillips, Ph.D., chair Brian Luskey, Ph.D. Kenneth Fones-Wolf, Ph.D. Kimberly Welch, Ph.D. Aaron Sheehan-Dean, Ph.D. Department of History Morgantown, West Virginia 2016 Keywords: Virginia; West Virginia; U.S. Civil War; Slavery; Democracy; Antebellum Era; Politics; Political Parties Copyright 2016 Adam Zucconi ABSTRACT Bound Together: Slavery and Democracy in Antebellum Northwestern Virginia, 1815-1865 Adam Zucconi Since West Virginia’s founding in 1863, historians have attempted to understand the forces that shaped the state’s creation. Most historians have argued that the Mountain State’s admission into the Union represented a grassroots rebellion among democratically-minded mountaineers who had long resisted the rule of eastern slaveholding aristocrats. The tumultuous events triggered by secession and civil war provided the opportunity for westerners to inaugurate their long desired wishes to free themselves from their allegedly tyrannical brethren and abolish the institution that many residents blamed for their woes: chattel slavery. West Virginia’s founding proved more contingent and complex than previously argued. During the early antebellum era, western Virginians displayed their loyalty to the state and to slavery through public processions, meetings, and editorials. Residents insisted, however, that their eastern brethren assist in reforming and democratizing the state’s constitution. The Constitutional Convention of 1829-1830 failed to include all of western Virginians’ desires but the changes included in the new constitution broadened the franchise and reflected powerful market forces fundamentally politics in the Old Dominion. The 1830 Constitution helped foster, however, a new understanding of the symbiotic relationship between slavery and democracy. Importantly, western Virginians embraced this interpretation. During the 1840s and 1850s, as national events concerning slavery became more frequent, western Virginians continued to profess their support for the peculiar institution and to the state. Such assertions contributed to the ratification of a new constitution in 1851, as western Virginians’ desire for a democratized constitution finally came to fruition. The new constitution deepened residents’ attachment to chattel slavery and the state, a critical development as abolitionists appeared more menacing and Republicans cultivated a presence in the Northwest. Few northwesterners supported either party because the destruction of slavery threatened the foundation of their political rights, another important development wrought by the new constitution. Rather than drifting farther apart from their eastern brethren in sentiment and principle, northwesterners drew closer and became fierce proslavery advocates. The national crisis that began to unfold in 1860 threatened to disrupt the harmony between western and eastern Virginians. Western Virginians maintained that remaining within the Union and under the protection of the constitution would ensure democratic rights while protecting slavery, too. Though eastern Virginians voted to take the Commonwealth out of the Union, westerners differed on the path ahead. Rather than forging ahead in demolishing slavery and the state, residents debated the merits of creating a new state and how to resolve the issue of slavery. After multiple and intense debates and recognizing that the war would not end quickly, northwesterners voted to create a new slave state. West Virginia entered the Union in 1863 but its founding reflected the state’s history of slavery, not the democratic revolution posited by historians. Proponents of West Virginia’s founding insisted that the state’s establishment would perpetuate, not undermine, racial hierarchy. While West Virginia’s founders ratified a proposal to gradually emancipate slaves, emancipation would unfold over decades and shifting political and racial norms threatened to sabotage that process in the future. West Virginia’s future remained firmly wedded to Virginia’s slaveholding past. Acknowledgements This dissertation represents the culmination of numerous individuals who have contributed their time, effort, and wisdom to seeing this project through from start to finish. At Bridgewater College, David McQuilkin proved to be a tireless supporter while I was an undergraduate and continues to follow my development at each stage. My adviser, Stephen Longenecker, identified my interest in history while at Bridgewater College and encouraged me to pursue postgraduate work. He remains an important friend and mentor. My tenure at Clemson University was important and transformative. Rod Andrew uncovered my interest in the antebellum South and the ideas that helped form that critical period. Paul Anderson, my adviser, set a high bar for teaching, mentoring, and being an historian. He took my often incoherent thoughts and helped channel them into stronger and more constructive arguments. Many of the interpretations expressed within this dissertation reflect the countless discussions concerning antebellum society, Virginia, and West(ern) Virginia he and I shared. At WVU, I had the privilege of studying under Aaron Sheehan-Dean. Aaron was a consummate adviser: he eagerly shared teaching advice, engaged in thoughtful discussions about my research interests, and displayed patience throughout this whole process. Even after he left for Louisiana State University, he remained devoted to my project and to my overall development. This dissertation would not have been possible without him. Jason Phillips made the transition between advisers seamless, as he embraced the challenge of taking on an advisee two years into the process. He improved my dissertation’s clarity and overall argument and provided important critiques for the next stage. Brian Luskey offered important insight into teaching, writing, and thinking like an historian while Ken Fones-Wolf always expressed a willingness to discuss the historical issues and quandaries I encountered while thinking about my dissertation. Kimberly Welch likewise offered excellent advice and avenues for broadening my dissertation’s impact. Finally, though he and I may have competing alma maters, Tyler Boulware has remained a source of encouragement and friendship during my time at WVU. During my academic career, I had the pleasure of training alongside historians who will continue to shape the discipline. Scott MacKenzie, Jacob Ivey, Brandon Williams, David Goldberg, Josh Esposito, Karina Esposito, and Joe Rizzo are all excellent historians in their own right. They also provided much-needed relief and friendship over the course of my career. I am thankful that these friendships have continued even after we have followed different tracks after graduation. And, while not an historian, Tim Shayne has remained a true and thoughtful friend. This dissertation would not have been possible without the assistance from the Virginia Historical Society and the West Virginia and Regional History Center. A Mellon Fellowship in 2014 provided an important week of research at the VHS where the helpful staff tracked down sources and suggested some I had not considered. The staff at the WVRHC proved incredibly accommodating during my countless visits to their archives. Kevin Fredette, Jane LaBarbara, Catherine Rakowski, Anna Schein, Michael Thobois, and the entire staff at the WVRHC located sources, directed me to new sources, and continually encouraged me during my research. The support and encouragement offered by my family made this dissertation and my entire postgraduate career possible. My in-laws, John and Darlene Wells, offered their continued support throughout my time at Clemson and West Virginia University. Likewise, Joey Zucconi, Michael Zucconi, and Stephanie Zucconi inspired me to continue my education and pursue a doctorate. My parents, John and Susan Zucconi, have been a constant source of inspiration and strength. They cultivated my passion for history and education in general and motivated me at iii each stage throughout my career.
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