In a very surprising turn of events, and following the release of an interactive Fallout 76 map by the West Virginia Tourism Board, the governor of West Virginia has issued an official proclamation declaring the 14th of November as “Reclamation Day”; making the day an official entry in the state calendar. The document even bears the state’s official Seal.

Thank you West Virginia! Your beautiful state has been an incredible canvas for #Fallout76, and the support from your community has been truly wonderful. We’re proud and humbled by your Reclamation Day Proclamation. 🙏 #AlmostHeaven pic.twitter.com/VNaCLcEMSU — Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) November 15, 2018

West Virginia Governor’s Proclamation for Fallout 76 Reclamation Day

Ever since the announcement that West Virginia would be the setting of Fallout 76, there has been growing interest in the state as a result. Bethesda even took part in the annual Mothman Festival earlier this year in Point Pleasant. Last month, the state’s Tourism Board officially partnered with Bethesda, and earlier today part of their partnership was revealed; a newly-launched interactive online map showing the game world and highlighting all of its real-world locations. Now, in a rather unexpected move, Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia has issued an official proclamation.

“Whereas, West Virginia is the featured destination and backdrop of the highly anticipated video game Fallout 76,” begins the proclamation. The document then goes on to cite the official partnership between West Virginia and Bethesda, before proceeding to list some of the places which feature in the game. After listing all of the key connections between Fallout 76 and its real-world setting, it concludes; “Now, therefore, Be it resolved that I, Jim Justice, Governor of the Great State of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim November 14, 2018 as: Reclamation Day in the Mountain State and encourage all citizens to visit West Virginia...”

The official proclamation bears the Great Seal of the State of West Virginia. The Proclamation was signed by the governor at the state Capitol in Charleston earlier today. It also bears the signature of Secretary of State Mac Warner. Following the announcement, Bethesda gave a message of thanks to the state of West Virginia; “Your beautiful state has been an incredible canvas for Fallout 76,” says the studio; “and the support from your community has been truly wonderful. We’re proud and humbled by your Reclamation Day Proclamation.”

What Does This Actually Mean?

It’s unclear whether the Proclamation really ascribes any particular significance to today. Nevertheless, the move is certainly a positive one by the state government in celebrating Fallout 76; a game whose own celebration of West Virginia is likely to raise the state’s profile considerably worldwide. Hopefully fans will take to celebrating the day henceforth. Certainly, plenty of fans will be celebrating today by setting out into the post-apocalyptic hills of Appalachia for the first time! As of today, the game is now available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Gamers should be aware that there is a sizeable day one patch.