Today In History
5 Fun Facts About October 2 In West Virginia History
1. West Virginia University was founded on October 2, 1867. This public research university is located in Morgantown and is the state's flagship institution of higher education. 2. On October 2, 1927, the Buckhannon-Upshur High School football team played their first game under lights. This was a historic event for...
5 Fun Facts About October 1 In West Virginia History
1. West Virginia became a state on October 1, 1863. On this day in history, West Virginia officially became the 35th state in the United States. The state was formed during the Civil War as a result of disagreements with the Confederate state of Virginia over the issue of slavery....
5 Fun Facts About September 30 In West Virginia History
1. Battle of Rich Mountain: On September 30, 1861, the Union Army won a crucial victory over Confederate forces in the Battle of Rich Mountain. This victory helped secure western Virginia for the Union and was a turning point in the Civil War. 2. Governor Wise's Proclamation: In 1859, Virginia...
5 Fun Facts About September 29 In West Virginia History
1. In 1896, the West Virginia State Capitol officially opened. The building, located in Charleston, took six years to construct and cost over $900,000. Today, it serves as the seat of government for the state. 2. On September 29, 1929, the West Virginia University Marching Band made its debut at...
5 Fun Facts About September 28 In West Virginia History
1. In 1862, the Battle of Saltville took place in Virginia, just over the border from West Virginia. Confederate troops, including cavalry led by General Albert G. Jenkins of Greenbrier County, faced a Union raiding party that attempted to destroy salt works and other Confederate industries. Though the Confederates ultimately...
5 Fun Facts About September 27 In West Virginia History
1. On September 27, 1960, the first telethon to benefit the West Virginia Society for Crippled Children was held. The telethon was hosted by comedian Jerry Lewis and raised $240,000 for the organization. 2. In 1777, a group of Native Americans led by the Shawnee chief Cornstalk attacked the Fort...
5 Fun Facts About September 26 In West Virginia History
1. On September 26, 1863, the Battle of Chapmansville took place in Logan County during the American Civil War. Union forces under the command of Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley defeated a Confederate force led by Col. William W. Bennett. The battle helped secure Union control of the Kanawha Valley...
5 Fun Facts About September 25 In West Virginia History
1. On September 25, 1862, the Battle of Shepherdstown took place in Jefferson County, Virginia (now West Virginia) during the American Civil War. The battle was fought between Union and Confederate forces, with the Confederates coming out victorious. 2. In 1904, the first electric streetcar line in West Virginia started...
5 Fun Facts About September 24 In West Virginia History
1. On September 24, 1861, Union and Confederate forces clashed at the Battle of Philippi, which is considered the first land battle of the Civil War. Union forces led by General George B. McClellan were victorious and the Confederate leadership fled the battlefield. 2. On September 24, 1896, the Democratic...
5 Fun Facts About September 23 In West Virginia History
1. In 1861, Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee captured the town of Romney, West Virginia during the American Civil War. The battle marked the first time that Lee personally led troops into what would become West Virginia, which was still a part of Virginia at the time. 2....
5 Fun Facts About September 22 In West Virginia History
September 22 is an important day in the history of West Virginia. Here are five interesting facts about this date: 1. On September 22, 1862, the Battle of Harper's Ferry took place. This was a significant battle during the Civil War, as it marked the beginning of General Robert E....
5 Fun Facts About September 21 In West Virginia History
1. On September 21, 1863, the Battle of Fisher's Hill was fought in Wood County, West Virginia during the Civil War. Union forces under General William Averell defeated Confederate forces commanded by General Albert G. Jenkins, securing control of the region around Parkersburg. 2. September 21, 1889 is significant for...