Today In History
5 Fun Facts About February 27 In West Virginia History
1. On February 27, 1860, the Wheeling Intelligencer newspaper published an article that would inspire the formation of the pro-Unionist state government of West Virginia. The article suggested that western Virginia should secede from the Confederacy and rejoin the Union. This idea ultimately led to the creation of West Virginia...
5 Fun Facts About February 26 In West Virginia History
1. Birth of Pearl Buck: On February 26, 1892, Pearl Buck, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Good Earth," was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia. Buck's work explored the complexities of Chinese culture and society and helped bridge understanding between East and West. 2. West Virginia joins the Union: On...
5 Fun Facts About February 25 In West Virginia History
1. In 1873, John Kenna was inaugurated as a U.S. Senator from West Virginia. Kenna, a lawyer and former Confederate soldier, served in the Senate until his death in 1893. 2. The historic Prickett's Fort was established on February 25, 1975 in Marion County, West Virginia. The fort, which was...
5 Fun Facts About February 24 In West Virginia History
1. On February 24, 1863, the Battle of Scary Creek took place in what is now Putnam County. It was one of the first major engagements of the Civil War in West Virginia and resulted in a Union victory. 2. John Shaffer, a Union soldier from Marion County, earned the...
5 Fun Facts About February 23 In West Virginia History
1. In 1861, West Virginia officially seceded from Virginia and became its own state. This was a result of the tensions between the western and eastern parts of Virginia over the issue of slavery, as well as the state's decision to secede from the Union during the Civil War. 2....
5 Fun Facts About February 22 In West Virginia History
1. On February 22, 1858, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge in Wheeling, West Virginia officially opened. It was the largest suspension bridge in the world at the time and is still in use today as a pedestrian walkway. 2. On February 22, 1865, the U.S. Senate passed the Thirteenth Amendment to...
5 Fun Facts About February 21 In West Virginia History
1. In 1916, a massive flood swept through the state, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least 16 people. The flood was caused by heavy rainfall and melting snow, and it caused major damage to the towns of Buckhannon and Weston. 2. On February 21, 1863, the...
5 Fun Facts About February 20 In West Virginia History
1. The Battle of Scary Creek: On February 20, 1861, the Battle of Scary Creek took place in Putnam County, West Virginia. This was one of the first battles of the American Civil War to take place in the state. Union forces, under the command of General Jacob Cox, successfully...
5 Fun Facts About February 19 In West Virginia History
1. In 1942, West Virginia native Hershel "Woody" Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Williams was just one of 27 Marines to be awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the battle. 2. On...
5 Fun Facts About February 18 In West Virginia History
1. In 1861, the West Virginia Constitutional Convention began in Wheeling. The convention was held to consider the formation of a new state separate from Virginia, which was in the process of seceding from the Union. The convention ultimately resulted in the creation of the state of West Virginia. 2....
5 Fun Facts About February 17 In West Virginia History
1. In 1865, the West Virginia Legislature authorized the establishment of the West Virginia Colored Institute, now known as West Virginia State University. It was the only institution of higher learning for African Americans in the state at the time. 2. On February 17, 1890, the first issue of The...
5 Fun Facts About February 16 In West Virginia History
1. On February 16, 1861, West Virginia officially became a separate state from Virginia during the Civil War. The division was caused by Virginia's secession from the Union, which was opposed by western Virginia residents who were loyal to the Union. 2. In 1933, the West Virginia School Building Authority...