1. West Virginia became a state on June 20, 1863, but the date of June 12, 1861 marked an important event in the state's history. On this day, the first land battle of the Civil War in the state of West Virginia took place in Philippi, now known as the Philippi Races.

2. The Philippi Races were a coordinated attack by Union troops on Confederate forces who were camped in the town of Philippi. The Union was successful in their attack, causing the Confederate troops to flee and leaving the town open for Union occupation.

3. The Philippi Races were significant in that they marked the first victory for the Union Army in the Eastern theater of the Civil War. The success of the Union in this battle helped to establish a framework for the eventual victory of the Union Army in the war.

4. The Philippi Races also saw the first use of the telegraph in military communications. Union General George B. McClellan was able to coordinate his troops using the telegraph, allowing for a more coordinated and efficient attack.

5. The battle of Philippi was just one of many conflicts that took place in West Virginia during the Civil War, as the state was deeply divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. However, it was a significant event in the state's history, marking the first major battle of the war in the region and laying the groundwork for the eventual creation of the state of West Virginia.