1. On May 7, 1914, the West Virginia Coal Wars erupted into a violent skirmish in Matewan, WV. Tensions between coal miners and company guards had been brewing for some time, and a dispute over union recognition led to a gun battle that left 10 people dead.

2. May 7, 1945, marked the end of World War II in Europe, with Germany officially surrendering to Allied forces. West Virginia had contributed significantly to the war effort, with thousands of its citizens serving in the military and the state's coal, steel, and chemical industries supporting the war production effort.

3. A major tornado outbreak struck parts of West Virginia on May 7, 1969, causing widespread damage and claiming 47 lives. The worst of the storms hit the town of Oak Hill, where a high school graduation ceremony was taking place. The tornado struck just as the ceremony was ending, killing 10 people and injuring many others.

4. On May 7, 1993, the West Virginia State Police Academy was dedicated in Institute, WV. The facility provides training for new state troopers and offers ongoing education for current officers. Graduates of the academy are responsible for enforcing the law and ensuring public safety throughout the state.

5. May 7, 2002, saw the opening of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the world. Located in Green Bank, WV, the telescope is part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and is used for a variety of scientific research projects, including mapping the structure of the universe and searching for signs of extraterrestrial life.