1. On August 17, 1807, the Virginia State Legislature officially created the county of Kanawha from a portion of Greenbrier County. The county's namesake, the Kanawha River, played a critical role in the region's economic development, serving as a major transportation artery for coal and timber.

2. The Battle of Fayetteville, a skirmish between Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War, occurred on August 17, 1861. The Union victory helped solidify their control over western Virginia and paved the way for the eventual creation of the state of West Virginia.

3. On August 17, 1920, the West Virginia State Police was established. Initially created to combat illegal moonshine operations that were prevalent in the state, the force later evolved into a statewide law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing state laws.

4. Chuck Yeager, a native of West Virginia and celebrated pilot who famously broke the sound barrier, was born on August 17, 1923. Yeager served as a fighter pilot during World War II and went on to become a test pilot, setting numerous records and earning many accolades throughout his career.

5. West Virginia Day, which celebrates the state's admission to the Union on June 20, is observed on August 17 each year as a legal holiday. The day is marked by parades, concerts, and other festivities throughout the state, as residents reflect on the rich history and culture of the Mountain State.