Editor's Note

There is perhaps no more well-known political campaign in West Virginia history than the presidential primary campaign run by John F. Kennedy. The Massachusetts senator came into this state in the spring of 1960, claiming that he was determined to show that he had the ability to appeal to Protestants. Pundits interpreted his victory in the West Virginia primary as proof that he was a viable national candidate, despite his Catholic faith. David A. Corbin’s recounting of Kennedy’s campaign suggests something different, asserting that the senator’s religion was not such a handicap in West Virginia, and that it was his campaign staff that raised the issue.

Another trope of the popular history of West Virginia concerns the supposed simple link between the state’s movement for statehood and the emancipation of African Americans. Michael E. Woods’s contribution complicates that formula, demonstrating that the creation of West Virginia and the ending of slavery within its borders was a complex process that tells us a great deal about the regional identity of its citizens as they struggled with war, emancipation, and statehood.

As has been the case with our fall issue, we also include the annual bibliography of recent publications on West Virginia compiled by Stewart Plein and our normal complement of reviews of important new books on the Appalachian region. Connie, Kevin, and I are delighted to bring you this issue; we hope you enjoy it.