1. The Battle of Rich Mountain: On July 5, 1861, Union troops under the command of General George B. McClellan defeated Confederate forces at the Battle of Rich Mountain in Randolph County, West Virginia. This victory helped secure Union control of the region and paved the way for the formation of the new state of West Virginia.

2. Statehood: On July 5, 1863, West Virginia officially became the 35th state in the United States. The state was formed as a result of the Civil War, with the western counties of Virginia seceding from the Confederacy and aligning with the Union.

3. Coal mining disaster: On July 5, 1902, a coal mining disaster occurred in Henrietta, West Virginia. An explosion killed 119 miners, making it one of the deadliest mining disasters in Appalachia history.

4. Centennial celebration: On July 5, 1963, West Virginia celebrated its 100th anniversary of statehood with a variety of events and celebrations across the state. President John F. Kennedy visited the state and delivered an address marking the occasion.

5. Flooding: On July 5, 2016, severe flooding hit West Virginia, causing significant damage and claiming the lives of over 20 people. The flooding was caused by record-breaking rainfall, with some areas receiving over 10 inches of rain in a single day. The disaster prompted a major response effort from the state and federal governments, as well as volunteer groups and individuals.