1. On June 22, 1861, the Battle of Athens, one of the first battles of the American Civil War in West Virginia, took place. Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee engaged Union forces led by General Thomas A. Morris. The Union forces were able to hold their ground and prevent the Confederates from advancing further north.

2. On June 22, 1936, the first state park in West Virginia, Hawks Nest State Park, was officially dedicated. The park is located on a 370-foot cliff overlooking the New River Gorge and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

3. On June 22, 1949, President Harry S. Truman visited West Virginia to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the West Virginia Turnpike. The turnpike was completed in 1954 and served as a major transportation link between West Virginia and neighboring states.

4. On June 22, 1961, the first public television station in West Virginia, WNPB-TV, began broadcasting. The station is located at West Virginia University and is part of PBS.

5. On June 22, 1979, New River Gorge National River was established as a national park. The park covers over 70,000 acres and features stunning natural attractions such as the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.