1. The first newspaper in West Virginia, the Wheeling Intelligencer, was first published on April 8, 1830. The paper still exists today as a daily publication.

2. On April 8, 1861, the Virginia Convention voted to secede from the Union, a decision that would have a major impact on the state of West Virginia and its eventual formation.

3. On April 8, 1904, the town of Bluefield was incorporated. Located in Mercer County, Bluefield was once a major hub for coal mining and still retains much of its historic architecture.

4. The West Virginia State Legislature enacted a law on April 8, 1933, creating the state's first public school of nursing at the West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown.

5. On April 8, 1945, West Virginia native Pvt. Robert L. Butler was killed in action during World War II. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroism in combat in the Philippines.