1. On February 24, 1863, the Battle of Scary Creek took place in what is now Putnam County. It was one of the first major engagements of the Civil War in West Virginia and resulted in a Union victory.

2. John Shaffer, a Union soldier from Marion County, earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on February 24, 1865, during the Battle of Dove Creek in Texas. Shaffer rescued a wounded comrade under heavy fire.

3. Legendary basketball coach Bobby Huggins was born on February 24, 1954, in Morgantown. Huggins played for West Virginia University and has since coached many successful teams, including leading WVU to the Final Four in 2010.

4. On February 24, 1978, a massive blizzard hit West Virginia, dumping several feet of snow and causing widespread power outages. The storm is still remembered as one of the most severe weather events in state history.

5. The New River Gorge Bridge, located in Fayette County, was officially opened to traffic on February 24, 1977. The bridge spans 3,030 feet and is over 876 feet high, making it one of the highest vehicular bridges in the world.