1. On December 20, 1862, the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg took place in Virginia. West Virginia troops were heavily involved in the battle, and suffered significant casualties. This marked one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Civil War.

2. In 1921, on December 20, the West Virginia State Capitol building was completed in Charleston. It stands as one of the tallest capitol buildings in the United States, and is considered a masterpiece of architectural design.

3. On December 20, 1985, a deadly pipe bomb exploded at the Kanawha County Courthouse in Charleston. Two people were killed, and four others were injured. The incident was linked to a feud between several local families and led to a heated court case.

4. December 20, 1973 marked the opening of the Huntington Mall, which was then one of the largest malls in the United States. The mall brought significant economic growth and business opportunities to the Huntington area.

5. In 1937, on December 20, the legendary musician Carter Stanley was born in Dickenson County, Virginia. He rose to fame as one half of the Stanley Brothers, a popular bluegrass duo. Their music has influenced countless artists in the genre, and Carter Stanley's legacy lives on in the Appalachian region.