1. In 1864, during the Civil War, the Battle of Tom's Brook took place in Shenandoah County, Virginia (now West Virginia). Union General Philip Sheridan led a cavalry force in a surprise attack against Confederate General Jubal Early's troops, resulting in a decisive victory for the Union.

2. On October 11, 1887, the first school of osteopathic medicine in the United States was established in Kirksville, Missouri by Andrew Taylor Still. Though not located in West Virginia, this event had a significant impact on the state's healthcare industry as osteopathic physicians became more prevalent in the region.

3. In 1955, the West Virginia Turnpike officially opened to traffic. The toll road stretches over 88 miles from Charleston to Princeton and was a major engineering achievement for the state. The Turnpike remains a vital transportation route for the region, connecting rural areas of West Virginia to major cities like Charleston and Beckley.

4. On October 11, 1979, the West Virginia State Police successfully ended a standoff with an armed man who had barricaded himself inside a motel in the town of Mineral Wells. The incident lasted for over 12 hours and resulted in no fatalities or injuries, thanks to the careful negotiation tactics of law enforcement officers.

5. In 1991, West Virginia native Bill Withers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his contributions to the music industry. Withers, who grew up in Slab Fork, West Virginia, is best known for his hit songs "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean on Me." His induction into the Hall of Fame remains a point of pride for West Virginians.