1. On December 11, 1809, the first iron bridge in America was completed at what is now Wheeling, West Virginia. The bridge was designed by inventor and engineer Timothy Palmer and crossed the Ohio River, connecting Wheeling Island to the mainland.

2. In 1865, the West Virginia Constitutional Convention began its session on December 11, to revise the state's constitution after the end of the Civil War. Among the changes made were the abolition of slavery and the granting of suffrage to African American males.

3. On December 11, 1890, the West Virginia State Board of Agriculture was established, which helped to promote the state's agricultural industry through various programs and initiatives.

4. Charleston, West Virginia experienced a major flood on December 11, 1930, caused by heavy rainfall over several days. The flood left over 70 people dead and caused extensive damage to the city and surrounding areas.

5. On December 11, 1989, the West Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the state's ban on teaching evolution was unconstitutional. The ban, which had been in place since 1927, had been challenged by a group of parents and scientists who argued that it violated their First Amendment rights.