1. In 1911, the first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 8, and it was marked by demonstrations, rallies, and discussions on women's rights. This event laid the foundation for future feminist movements, including the suffrage movement in the US.

2. In 1920, West Virginia became the 34th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The amendment was officially adopted later that year, and women across the country were finally able to participate in the democratic process.

3. In 1965, the Appalachian Regional Commission was established to promote economic development in the region and to address the persistent poverty and underdevelopment that had long plagued Appalachia. West Virginia was one of the 13 states included in the Commission's jurisdiction.

4. In 1977, the Silver Bridge, which spanned the Ohio River at Point Pleasant, collapsed during rush hour, killing 46 people. The tragedy led to increased scrutiny of the safety of bridges in the US and helped lead to the creation of the National Bridge Inspection Standards.

5. In 2014, a chemical spill in the Elk River near Charleston contaminated the drinking water of 300,000 West Virginians, causing a state of emergency to be declared. The spill led to major changes in environmental regulations and pipeline safety standards, and highlighted the need for greater oversight of the chemical industry.