1. In 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state to join the Union. It was created out of the western counties of Virginia during the Civil War due to the disagreement over secession.

2. On May 8, 1933, the National Industrial Recovery Act was passed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The act was aimed at promoting fair competition and increasing employment during the Great Depression. It included the creation of the Public Works Administration, which provided funds for construction of public works projects, such as bridges and dams.

3. In 1945, the West Virginia State Police was officially established. Prior to this, law enforcement in the state was handled by county sheriffs and local police departments.

4. On May 8, 1959, the first permanent building was dedicated at the West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery. The building was named after Gilbert H. Hardesty, an early supporter of the school.

5. In 1968, the Marshall University Graduate School was established on May 8. The graduate school offers a variety of programs and degrees, including master's and doctoral programs in fields such as education, business, and social work.