1. On April 17, 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union. This decision was met with resistance in what is now West Virginia, leading to the formation of the new state in 1863.

2. In 1934, the first large-scale labor strike in West Virginia history began on April 17. Known as the "Mine Wars," the strike involved thousands of workers in the coal mines of Appalachia and was marked by violent clashes with law enforcement and mining company agents.

3. On April 17, 1865, Confederate General John Imboden led a raid on the town of Beverly, West Virginia, in an attempt to disrupt Union forces in the area. The raid was unsuccessful, and Imboden was forced to retreat back to Confederate lines.

4. In 1969, the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill to create the West Virginia Arts and Humanities Council. This organization provides support for arts and culture programs across the state and has become an important part of West Virginia's cultural landscape.

5. On April 17, 2010, the Upper Big Branch mine disaster occurred in Montcoal, West Virginia. The explosion killed 29 miners and led to an investigation into mine safety practices in the state. The incident brought national attention to the dangers of coal mining in West Virginia and sparked a renewed push for safety regulations in the industry.