1. In 1917, West Virginia became the first state to impose a sales tax. The tax was one cent for every five cents spent and was initially intended to raise funds for World War I efforts.

2. On April 5, 1930, the city of Fairmont was struck by a devastating flood. Heavy rains caused the Monongahela River to overflow, resulting in widespread damage and loss of life. The flood is still considered one of the worst natural disasters in West Virginia history.

3. In 1950, the famous Country Music Hall of Famer, Patsy Cline, made her debut on the Wheeling Jamboree radio show in West Virginia. Cline would go on to become one of the most influential and celebrated country music singers of all time.

4. On April 5, 1960, West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood announced a new program called "Operation Appalachian" aimed at improving the economic conditions in the state's rural areas. The program provided aid and resources to struggling small towns in the region.

5. In 2010, the Upper Big Branch mine explosion occurred in West Virginia, claiming the lives of 29 miners. The tragedy drew national attention to the issue of mine safety and led to increased calls for stricter regulations to protect workers in the industry.