1. On July 20, 1863, the Battle of Rutherford's Farm took place during the American Civil War. Confederate forces under General William "Grumble" Jones clashed with Union soldiers led by Brigadier General Julius Stahel. Despite being outnumbered, Jones' men were able to repel the Union attack and secure an important victory.

2. In 1939, Harry Brawley became the first person to cross the New River Gorge on a tightrope. Brawley, a professional daredevil, performed the feat without a safety net while hundreds of spectators looked on.

3. On July 20, 1963, the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs hosted the Congressional Baseball Game. The annual event, which pits Democrats against Republicans, has been held since 1909 and raises money for charity.

4. Tri-State Airport in Huntington opened on July 20, 1952. The airport was an important hub for passenger and cargo transportation in the region and underwent several expansions and renovations over the years.

5. West Virginia became the 35th state in the United States on June 20, 1863, during the Civil War. However, it was not until seven months later, on January 31, 1864, that West Virginia's statehood was officially recognized by the federal government.