1. On January 19, 1861, West Virginia seceded from Virginia and joined the Union as a separate state during the American Civil War. This marked a significant turning point in the history of the region and helped to secure the Union's victory.

2. In 1919, the West Virginia legislature passed the Prohibition Act, which prohibited the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol in the state. This law remained in effect until 1933, when it was repealed by the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution.

3. On January 19, 1964, the Kanawha County Public Library opened its doors to the public for the first time. The library has since become a vital resource for the community and is home to over 500,000 books, periodicals, and other materials.

4. In 1970, the West Virginia Legislature designated the golden delicious apple as the official state fruit. This variety of apple was first discovered in Clay County, West Virginia, and has become one of the most popular apples in the world.

5. On January 19, 1984, musician John Denver performed a benefit concert in Charleston, West Virginia, to raise money for victims of the Buffalo Creek flood, which had devastated the area two years earlier. The concert was a huge success and raised over $300,000 for flood relief efforts.