1. In 1863, the Battle of Beverly occurred in Randolph County during the American Civil War. Union troops under General William Averell defeated Confederate troops under General William "Grumble" Jones, securing control of the railroad and helping to keep West Virginia in the Union.

2. The West Virginia State Police was created on July 26, 1919, becoming the fourth state police force in the United States. The force was initially made up of 39 officers and was tasked with enforcing state laws and investigating major crimes.

3. In 1971, West Virginia University opened its Coliseum, a multipurpose arena that has hosted concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment over the years. It can seat over 14,000 people and has been the site of many important events in the university's history.

4. On July 26, 1934, a massive fire broke out at the New River Company's No. 3 mine in Fayette County. The fire killed 23 miners and injured 7 others, making it one of the worst mining disasters in West Virginia history.

5. The Green Bank Observatory, home to the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope, was dedicated on July 26, 1956. Located in Pocahontas County, the observatory has played a significant role in scientific research and discovery, including helping to discover gravitational waves.