1. On June 8, 1861, the Battle of Philippi took place in what is now West Virginia. It was the first land battle of the Civil War and resulted in a Union victory.

2. June 8, 1909, marked the birth of composer Harriet Barkan in Wheeling, West Virginia. She is best known for her work as a music educator and for pioneering music therapy.

3. In 1939, June 8 was declared "West Virginia Day" by Governor Homer A. Holt. This day commemorates the state's admission to the Union on June 20, 1863.

4. On June 8, 1946, the West Virginia State Police was officially established. It was created to provide law enforcement services to the citizens of the state and is still in operation today.

5. June 8, 2016, was a historic day for the LGBTQ+ community in West Virginia. On this day, the state's first-ever Pride Parade was held in Charleston, celebrating diversity and promoting equality for all.