1. West Virginia was admitted to the Union on May 17, 1863: West Virginia became the 35th state to join the Union on May 17, 1863, during the height of the Civil War. It was created as a result of a split from Virginia due to political and economic differences and ultimately sided with the Union during the war.

2. The first designated state holiday was May 17: In 1927, Governor William G. Conley declared May 17 a state holiday known as "West Virginia Day." It is a day to celebrate the state's birthday and the contributions and achievements of its citizens.

3. The USS West Virginia was commissioned on May 17, 1923: The USS West Virginia (BB-48) was a battleship that served in both World War I and II. It was commissioned on May 17, 1923, and was present during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

4. The first national forest was established in West Virginia on May 17, 1897: The Monongahela National Forest was established on May 17, 1897, by President William McKinley. It covers over 919,000 acres of land in West Virginia and provides outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking and camping.

5. The first woman elected to Congress from West Virginia took office on May 17, 1959: Elizabeth Kee was elected to the House of Representatives in 1954, but her election was contested and she was not seated until May 17, 1959. She served in Congress until 1965 and was a strong advocate for improving education and health care in West Virginia.