1. West Virginia became a state on October 31, 1863. Initially part of Virginia, the western region of the state broke away during the Civil War due to differences over slavery and secession. President Lincoln officially recognized the new state on Halloween of that year, making it the 35th state in the Union.

2. The first women's intercollegiate basketball game in West Virginia was played on October 31, 1913. The game was between West Virginia University and Ohio State University, and WVU won by a score of 22-13. This historic match laid the foundation for women's basketball in the state and helped pave the way for gender equality in sports.

3. On October 31, 1900, the first commercial coal mining disaster in West Virginia occurred at the Red Ash mine. A methane explosion killed 46 miners, making it the deadliest mining disaster in the state to that point in time. The incident highlighted the dangers of mining and led to increased safety regulations in the industry.

4. Mountwood Park, a popular recreational site in Wood County, West Virginia, officially opened to the public on October 31, 2002. The park features hiking trails, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities, and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The park's development was a collaborative effort between both public and private entities.

5. The West Virginia University Mountaineers have played several notable football games on October 31 throughout their history. In 1998, they defeated the Miami Hurricanes 28-17 on Halloween night in front of a sellout crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium. In 1959, the team also played a memorable game against Penn State that ended in a 20-20 tie.