1. On October 14, 1929, the first bridge connecting the towns of Nitro and St. Albans was opened. The bridge was a major transportation link for the Kanawha Valley and helped to spur economic growth in the region.
2. In 1863 on this day, Confederate General John Imboden led a raid on Beverly, West Virginia during the Civil War. The raid resulted in the capture of Union soldiers and the destruction of government property.
3. On October 14, 1968, the West Virginia Turnpike opened to traffic. The 88-mile highway provided a faster and safer route for travelers between Charleston and Bluefield and helped to stimulate economic growth in southern West Virginia.
4. Legendary West Virginia University football coach Don Nehlen was born on October 14, 1936, in Mansfield, Ohio. Nehlen led the Mountaineers to 149 victories and 13 bowl games during his 21-year tenure as head coach from 1980 to 2000.
5. On October 14, 1892, the first branch of the Free Library of Wheeling was opened. The library grew in popularity and eventually became the Ohio County Public Library, which today serves as a cultural and educational center for the community.