1. In 1859, abolitionist John Brown and his followers raided the federal armory in Harpers Ferry, hoping to incite a slave rebellion. The raid failed and Brown was captured, tried, and executed, but his actions helped fuel tensions that eventually led to the Civil War.

2. In 2020, West Virginia became the first state to offer mobile voting in a federal election, allowing eligible voters to cast their ballots using a mobile app called Voatz.

3. In 1963, West Virginia's first state park, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, opened to the public. Located in Pocahontas County, the park features several old steam locomotives that visitors can ride, as well as hiking trails and other recreational opportunities.

4. In 1867, West Virginia University was established in Morgantown as the state's flagship public university. Today, WVU boasts more than 30,000 students and has a strong reputation for research and innovation.

5. In 1968, the Silver Bridge, which connected Point Pleasant, West Virginia to Gallipolis, Ohio, collapsed during rush hour, killing 46 people. The tragedy led to increased scrutiny of America's infrastructure and helped pave the way for the creation of the National Bridge Inspection Standards.