1. On September 8, 1863, Union and Confederate forces clashed in the Battle of Berryville, which took place on the outskirts of the eponymous town in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Although the Confederates ultimately retreated, the battle was notable for the strategic leadership exhibited by Confederate General John B. Gordon.

2. September 8 is the birthday of John Henry, a legendary African American steel driver who is said to have competed against a steam-powered drilling machine and won. While the story of John Henry has been the subject of numerous songs and folktales, historians disagree on the extent to which it is rooted in historical fact.

3. In 1923, on September 8, the West Virginia State Police were established by an act of the state legislature. The formation of the State Police was a response to the widespread lawlessness that had plagued the state during the early 20th century, including the notorious Hatfield-McCoy feud.

4. On September 8, 1976, the West Virginia Coal Mine Safety Board was created by an act of the state legislature. The board is charged with overseeing the safety practices of coal mines in the state, including inspecting mines for safety violations and enforcing safety regulations.

5. September 8, 1917, marked the opening of the West Virginia Collegiate Institute (now West Virginia State University) in Institute, West Virginia. The university was founded as a historically black college and has a long history of serving students of color in West Virginia and beyond.