1. The Battle of Kessler's Cross Lanes: On August 26, 1861, Confederate and Union forces clashed in what would become known as the Battle of Kessler's Cross Lanes. The Confederate troops were led by General John B. Floyd, who ordered an attack on the Union soldiers commanded by Colonel Erastus Tyler. The battle ended in a Confederate victory.

2. Statehood Day: August 26, 1863, is known as Statehood Day in West Virginia. It marks the day that West Virginia became an official state of the United States after separating from Virginia during the Civil War.

3. The Hatfield-McCoy Feud: The infamous Hatfield-McCoy Feud, a long-standing conflict between two families in the Appalachians, began in the late 1800s and continued until the early 1900s. On August 26, 1899, members of the Hatfield family attacked the McCoy family's homestead, killing three of their members and setting their home on fire.

4. Tornado Outbreak: On August 26, 1928, a tornado outbreak hit several towns in West Virginia, including Beckley, where 55 people were killed and hundreds injured. It remains one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in the state's history.

5. Gauley Bridge Disaster: On August 26, 1985, the Gauley Bridge Disaster occurred when a dam failed at the hydroelectric plant, causing a massive flood that killed more than 40 people who were white-water rafting in the area. The disaster led to important safety regulations for the coal and power industry.