West Virginia

Some of the key events about West Virginia

• 1861

  The state was formed by seceding from Virginia during the American Civil War, causing political and social divisions
• 1863

  West Virginia became the 35th state of the United States, separating from Virginia during the Civil War
• 1908

  The first Mother's Day celebration was held in Grafton, West Virginia
• 1921

  The Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest labor uprising in U.S. history, led to improved working conditions for coal miners
• 1921

  The Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest labor uprising in U.S. history, resulted in dozens of deaths and martial law
• 1924

  A devastating flood in the Cheat River Valley killed over 100 people and caused widespread destruction
• 1960

  The Wheeling Suspension Bridge was designated as a National Historic Landmark
• 1963

  The New River Gorge Bridge was completed, becoming one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world
• 1968

  The collapse of the Silver Bridge connecting Point Pleasant to Ohio killed 46 people
• 1972

  The Buffalo Creek flood killed 125 people when a coal slurry impoundment dam burst
• 1978

  The New River Gorge National River was established, preserving 70,000 acres of land for recreation and conservation
• 1978

  A cooling tower collapse at the Willow Island power station killed 51 construction workers
• 1995

  The National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank began operating the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope
• 2006

  The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System opened, becoming one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world
• 2006

  The Sago Mine disaster trapped and killed 12 miners, highlighting safety issues in the coal industry
• 2010

  The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster killed 29 miners in the worst U.S. coal mining accident in 40 years
• 2013

  The Boy Scouts of America opened the Summit Bechtel Reserve, a high-adventure base and site for the National Scout Jamboree
• 2014

  A chemical spill into the Elk River contaminated the water supply for 300,000 residents
• 2016

  Devastating floods killed 23 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses across the state
• 2020

  The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was established, becoming the 63rd National Park in the United States

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.