1. On March 9, 1861, citizens of Virginia voted to secede from the Union, paving the way for West Virginia to be formed as a separate state. Led by Virginia Governor John Letcher, the vote marked a significant turning point in the lead-up to the Civil War.
2. On March 9, 1932, over 4,000 unemployed miners marched on the state capitol in Charleston in what became known as the "March on Logan." The miners were protesting harsh working conditions and low pay in southern West Virginia coal mines, and the event received national attention.
3. On March 9, 1950, the West Virginia State Legislature adopted the state's official nickname, "The Mountain State." The moniker acknowledges the state's rugged terrain and natural beauty, with more than 75% of its land covered by forests and mountains.
4. On March 9, 1976, the National Park Service established the New River Gorge National River in southern West Virginia. The park covers over 70,000 acres and includes several hiking trails, white-water rafting opportunities, and historical sites, such as the Sandstone Falls overlook.
5. On March 9, 2015, West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed into law a bill legalizing the production and possession of medical marijuana. The move made West Virginia the 29th state to enact medical marijuana legislation, and dispensaries began opening across the state in 2019.
5 Fun Facts About March 9 In West Virginia History
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