1. On March 19, 1778, American Revolutionary War hero Daniel Boone was captured by Shawnee warriors near present-day Point Pleasant, West Virginia. He was later released after negotiations with the British.

2. In 1861, delegates from Virginia’s northwestern counties gathered in Wheeling and formed the Restored Government of Virginia. This government would eventually become the state of West Virginia two years later, on June 20, 1863.

3. On March 19, 1931, the West Virginia State Capitol building was dedicated in Charleston. This impressive building contains a wide array of art and architectural features, including a massive, 293-foot tall dome.

4. In 1953, an underground mine explosion in Holden, West Virginia killed 23 miners. This tragedy was one of many coal mining accidents that have occurred throughout the state’s history.

5. In 1987, the West Virginia Mountaineers basketball team advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen for the first time in school history. This achievement was particularly impressive as the team had started the season with a 1-14 record!