1. In 1874, the state of West Virginia held its first Arbor Day celebration on May 16, encouraging residents to plant trees and promote conservation efforts.

2. On May 16, 1907, the largest mine disaster in West Virginia history occurred when an explosion ripped through the Monongah Mine, killing 362 miners and injuring scores of others.

3. In 1969, the Apollo 10 spacecraft was launched from Kennedy Space Center on May 16 and successfully orbited the moon, paving the way for the first moon landing later that year.

4. On May 16, 2015, the West Virginia National Guard played a critical role in the response to severe flooding that devastated parts of the state, performing search and rescue operations and providing support to affected communities.

5. In 1983, the West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office was established on May 16, tasked with investigating suspicious fires and promoting fire safety education and training throughout the state.