From November 26, 1861, to February 18, 1862, and February 12-20, 1863, delegates met in Wheeling to draft West Virginia's first constitution. Members debated the state's name and boundaries, as well as whether slavery would remain. On March 26, 1863, voters ratified the document. This first constitution governed WV until ex-Confederates gained power in 1870 and replaced it in 1872.