1. Birth of Governor Arch A. Moore Jr.
On July 22, 1923, Arch A. Moore Jr. was born in Moundsville, West Virginia. He served as the 28th and 30th Governor of West Virginia, holding office from 1969 to 1977 and from 1985 to 1989.

2. Coal Mine Disaster in Monongah
On July 22, 1942, a coal mine explosion occurred in Monongah, West Virginia. The disaster killed 15 miners and injured 2 others.

3. Creation of the West Virginia State Police
On July 22, 1919, the West Virginia State Legislature created the West Virginia State Police. The agency was initially established to address rising tensions regarding the prohibition of alcohol.

4. Birth of Author Jayne Anne Phillips
On July 22, 1952, author Jayne Anne Phillips was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia. She is the author of several novels, including "Machine Dreams", "Lark and Termite", and "Quiet Dell".

5. West Virginia Becomes 35th State
On July 22, 1863, West Virginia officially became a state, with the signing of the West Virginia Statehood Bill by President Abraham Lincoln. The state was created as a result of the Civil War, when western Virginia counties decided to secede from Virginia due to differences in political and economic interests.