1. On September 24, 1861, Union and Confederate forces clashed at the Battle of Philippi, which is considered the first land battle of the Civil War. Union forces led by General George B. McClellan were victorious and the Confederate leadership fled the battlefield.

2. On September 24, 1896, the Democratic Party in West Virginia held its first state convention in Wheeling, where they nominated William M.O. Dawson for governor. Interestingly, Dawson went on to become the only governor in U.S. history to be impeached and removed from office twice.

3. September 24, 1918, was a tragic day for mine workers in Bartley, West Virginia. A coal mine explosion claimed the lives of 65 workers in what is known as the Bartley No. 1 Mine Disaster. The mine was operated by the Pocahontas Coal Corporation.

4. On September 24, 1985, Hurricane Juan caused significant damage in West Virginia, despite being hundreds of miles inland. Heavy rainfall led to flash flooding in many areas, particularly in the eastern part of the state. In total, the storm caused over $100 million in damage.

5. In 2015, September 24 was declared "Purple Heart Day" in West Virginia to honor veterans who have been wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart is a military decoration awarded to service members who have been injured or killed in action. West Virginia is home to several military installations, including the Air National Guard's 130th Airlift Wing and the Army National Guard's 1092nd Engineer Battalion.