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5 Fun Facts About May 23 In West Virginia History
1. The first permanent English settlement in present-day West Virginia was established on May 23, 1727, at present-day Shepherdstown, by Thomas Shepherd. 2. On May 23, 1861, the Virginia state convention voted to secede from the Union, which led to the creation of the separate state of West Virginia in...
5 Fun Facts About May 22 In West Virginia History
1. Birth of Mary Lou Retton: Mary Lou Retton, the Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, was born on May 22, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia. She became the first female gymnast outside Eastern Europe to win the all-around gold medal at the Olympic Games in 1984. 2. John Wilburn murder...
5 Fun Facts About May 21 In West Virginia History
1. On May 21, 1935, the West Virginia State Capitol Building was officially dedicated. The governor at the time, William G. Conley, gave a speech at the ceremony, which was attended by over 15,000 people. 2. The town of Moundsville, West Virginia, was founded on May 21, 1830. Originally named...
5 Fun Facts About May 20 In West Virginia History
1. In 1865, West Virginia became the third state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. 2. On May 20, 1892, the first meeting of the West Virginia Mining Council was held in Charleston, with the aim of promoting safety and productivity...
5 Fun Facts About May 19 In West Virginia History
1. On May 19, 1864, Confederate General John C. Breckinridge led his forces into battle against Union troops in what became known as the Battle of New Market. The battle was significant as it led to a Confederate victory and allowed them to hold onto the Shenandoah Valley, a crucial...
5 Fun Facts About May 18 In West Virginia History
1. In 1863, Union General Benjamin Kelley orders his troops to burn the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad bridge in Rowlesburg, West Virginia, to prevent Confederates from using it to transport troops and supplies. 2. In 1918, the deadliest train wreck in West Virginia history occurs near Covel when two passenger...
5 Fun Facts About May 17 In West Virginia History
1. West Virginia was admitted to the Union on May 17, 1863: West Virginia became the 35th state to join the Union on May 17, 1863, during the height of the Civil War. It was created as a result of a split from Virginia due to political and economic differences...
5 Fun Facts About May 16 In West Virginia History
1. In 1874, the state of West Virginia held its first Arbor Day celebration on May 16, encouraging residents to plant trees and promote conservation efforts. 2. On May 16, 1907, the largest mine disaster in West Virginia history occurred when an explosion ripped through the Monongah Mine, killing 362...
5 Fun Facts About May 15 In West Virginia History
1. In 1862, the Battle of Princeton occurred during the American Civil War. Confederate troops under Brigadier General Henry Heth engaged Union forces under Colonel Samuel Beatty. The Union was ultimately victorious, but the battle caused significant casualties on both sides. 2. In 1906, the West Virginia House of Delegates...
5 Fun Facts About May 14 In West Virginia History
1. West Virginia officially became a state on May 14, 1861. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Virginia seceded from the Union, but delegates from Virginia's northwestern counties, which were loyal to the Union, met in Wheeling and formed their own state. President Abraham Lincoln recognized West Virginia...
5 Fun Facts About May 13 In West Virginia History
1. On May 13, 1775, the Virginia Assembly authorized the creation of two military companies to defend the frontier against Native American attacks. This was a significant step in the buildup to the American Revolution, as the frontier was a key battleground in the conflict. 2. On May 13, 1862,...
5 Fun Facts About May 12 In West Virginia History
1. The Battle of Charleston occurred on May 12, 1862, during the American Civil War. Union forces defeated Confederate troops, securing control of the Kanawha Valley in western Virginia, which helped secure the region for the Union. 2. On May 12, 1907, the United Mine Workers of America went on...