1. On December 12, 1984, the West Virginia Legislature ratified a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution, becoming the 33rd state to do so. The amendment, which was later adopted by the required three-fourths of states, established a procedure for filling a vacancy in the office of the Vice President.

2. On December 12, 1944, a coal mine explosion in Everettville, West Virginia, killed 15 miners. The disaster was caused by a buildup of methane gas and coal dust in the mine.

3. On December 12, 1862, the Battle of Fredericksburg began during the American Civil War. Though not fought in West Virginia, many soldiers from the state participated in the battle as part of the Union Army of the Potomac.

4. On December 12, 1846, the town of Grafton, West Virginia was incorporated. Today, Grafton is perhaps best known as the home of Anna Jarvis, who created Mother's Day in honor of her own mother, Ann Jarvis, in 1908.

5. On December 12, 1808, Alexander Campbell arrived in the United States from his native Scotland. Campbell would go on to become an important figure in the Second Great Awakening, a religious revival movement that had a significant impact on West Virginia and other parts of the country.