1. The Battle of Rich Mountain: On July 9, 1861, Union forces under the command of General George B. McClellan emerged victorious over Confederate forces during the Battle of Rich Mountain in Randolph County, West Virginia. The battle was one of the first significant victories for the Union Army during the Civil War and helped secure the state of West Virginia for the Union.

2. Statehood Day: July 9, 1868, is recognized as Statehood Day in West Virginia. It marks the anniversary of when the state officially entered the Union as the 35th state. Celebrations typically include parades, live music, and other fun events.

3. Chuck Yeager's Birth: Born on July 9, 1923, in Myra, West Virginia, Chuck Yeager is one of the state's most famous native sons. Yeager was a World War II flying ace and test pilot who became the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947.

4. National Forest Established: On July 9, 1924, the Monongahela National Forest was established in West Virginia. It covers more than 919,000 acres and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, fishing, and more.

5. A Hot Day in 1936: On July 9, 1936, the temperature in Martinsburg, West Virginia, hit 112 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the hottest day ever recorded in the state. Several days of intense heat caused widespread power outages and strained power grids, and many people were forced to seek relief in public fountains and swimming pools.