1. In 1861, West Virginia became independent.
On January 13, 1861, a convention in Wheeling voted to separate from Virginia and form a new state. This was during the Civil War, and the move was contentious, as Virginia had seceded from the Union. However, the new state was recognized by the federal government in 1863.

2. The West Virginia State Police was established on January 13, 1919.
After a period of lawlessness during the earlier part of the 20th century, the state decided to establish a police force. The first troopers were recruited from the returning soldiers of World War I.

3. The Hatfield-McCoy Feud began on January 13, 1865.
Perhaps the most infamous family feud in American history began with the murder of Asa Harmon McCoy. The deaths, vengeance, and trials that followed would continue for years and inspire countless works of art and literature, even to this day.

4. A mine explosion in Farmington on January 13, 1968 killed 78 miners.
The Consolidation Coal Company's mine was known for its safety record, but on January 13, 1968, an explosion trapped and killed 78 miners. The disaster prompted the passage of stricter mine safety laws and regulations.

5. West Virginia holds its Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration on or near January 13.
The holiday is officially observed on the third Monday in January, but in West Virginia, communities hold their own observances. Many of these take place on or near January 13, which was Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.