1. In 1905, the West Virginia Legislature established the state's National Guard, through the National Defense Act. The National Guard has played a crucial role in the state's history, serving in both domestic crises and overseas conflicts.

2. On May 26, 1949, the West Virginia Turnpike was opened to the public, connecting Charleston and Princeton. The 88-mile turnpike was a major engineering feat, including 10 tunnels and 35 bridges, and greatly improved transportation in the state.

3. In 1960, West Virginia native and Olympic gold medalist Chuck Yeager became the first person to fly faster than Mach 2, breaking the sound barrier in the Bell X-1A rocket plane. Yeager's pioneering flight pushed the boundaries of aviation and science.

4. The town of Matewan, located in Mingo County, gained national attention on May 26, 1920, when a shootout known as the Battle of Matewan occurred. The conflict arose from tensions between coal miners and the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency, who were hired by mine owners to break up unions. 10 people died in the gunfight, including seven detectives.

5. On May 26, 1865, West Virginia was officially admitted to the Union as the 35th state. The addition of West Virginia was controversial during the Civil War, as it had seceded from Virginia and was created in part as a result of the conflict. Nevertheless, West Virginia has been an integral part of the United States ever since.