1. West Virginia became a state on April 1, 1863.
On April 1 of that year, West Virginia officially separated from Virginia during the Civil War and became its own state. This move had been brewing in the region for years, as western Virginia and the rest of the state developed different interests and priorities. West Virginia's statehood was a significant moment that would shape the region's history for years to come.

2. The first telegraph reached Wheeling on April 1, 1853.
In the mid-19th century, the telegraph was a revolutionary new technology that allowed people to communicate almost instantly over long distances. On April 1, 1853, the first telegraph line was established in West Virginia, connecting Wheeling to the rest of the country. This laid the foundation for the state's future communication networks and helped connect West Virginia to the rest of the world.

3. The Battle of Charleston took place on April 1-2, 1863.
During the Civil War, West Virginia was a major battleground for both Union and Confederate forces. On April 1-2, 1863, the Battle of Charleston took place in the city of Charleston, with Union forces attempting to seize control of Confederate-held Fort Sumter. While the battle was ultimately a Union victory, it resulted in significant casualties on both sides and had long-lasting effects on the region.

4. The first salt drilling operation started on April 1, 1808.
Salt was a crucial resource in early American industry and commerce, and West Virginia was home to several salt mines and drilling operations during the 19th century. On April 1, 1808, the first drilling operation designed to extract salt began in the Kanawha River Valley, marking a significant moment in West Virginia's development as an industrial center.

5. West Virginia University was founded on April 1, 1867.
In the wake of the Civil War, West Virginia was in need of new institutions that could help drive the region's economic and industrial growth. On April 1, 1867, West Virginia University was founded in Morgantown, becoming the state's first public institution of higher education. Since then, WVU has grown to become a major research university and a key player in the state's social and economic development.