1. On April 26, 1937, the worst industrial disaster in American history occurred in West Virginia. A massive explosion at the Consolidation Coal Company mine in Monongah killed 362 miners, including many Italian immigrants.

2. On April 26, 1922, the West Virginia State Capitol building was dedicated in Charleston. It was designed by architect Cass Gilbert and is the largest state capitol dome in the United States.

3. On April 26, 1863, Confederate General William E. Jones led a raid on the town of Weston, West Virginia. During the raid, Jones was shot and killed, becoming one of the highest-ranking Confederate officers to die in battle during the Civil War.

4. On April 26, 1978, West Virginia University hosted the first 3-Point Shooting Contest as part of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The contestant who made the most shots from beyond the arc was awarded a trophy and a $500 prize.

5. On April 26, 1945, a German prisoner of war camp in West Virginia was closed down. The camp, located in Hedgesville, housed over 4,500 German soldiers and was one of the largest of its kind in the United States during World War II.