George Ellis Moore's A Banner in the Hills: West Virginia's Statehood tells the dramatic story of how West Virginia was born amid the turmoil of the Civil War. Moore traces the state's complex path to independence, from the deep divisions between western and eastern Virginia to the political and military struggles that shaped its creation. The book explores the economic, cultural, and geographic differences that fueled western Virginians' resentment toward the tidewater elite. As the Civil War erupted, Unionist leaders seized the opportunity to break from Confederate-controlled Virginia, forging a new state loyal to the Union. Moore details the constitutional debates, the role of President Lincoln, and the fierce opposition West Virginia's statehood faced in Congress. Beyond the political battles, A Banner in the Hills highlights the experiences of ordinary West Virginians—Unionists, Confederates, and those caught in between—whose loyalties were tested in a divided land. With rich historical detail and vivid storytelling, Moore captures the determination and resilience of those who fought to establish the nation's 35th state. An essential read for Civil War scholars, West Virginia history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the complex forces that shaped America's only state born from secession.