1. On February 3, 1865, the West Virginia state legislature ratified the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. West Virginia was the 24th state to ratify the amendment, helping to secure its adoption throughout the country.

2. February 3, 1924, marked the birth of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a celebrated poet and author from Charleston, West Virginia. Browning wrote numerous works of poetry, fiction, and literary criticism, and received numerous accolades for her contributions to American letters.

3. In 1942, February 3 marked the date of the U.S. Army's activation of the 35th Infantry Division, which included units from West Virginia and other states. The division served in World War II and later conflicts, earning numerous honors and distinctions for its service.

4. On February 3, 1951, West Virginia Senator Harley Kilgore introduced a bill in Congress proposing the establishment of a National Park dedicated to preserving the state's lush forests and pristine wilderness. Though the bill failed to pass in that session, it laid the foundation for future efforts to protect West Virginia's natural beauty.

5. February 3, 1973, saw the opening of the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in Fayette County, West Virginia. The 10,600-acre site serves as the permanent home of the Boy Scouts of America's National Scout Jamboree and other scouting events, and also provides ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.