The years of West Virginia

John Brown

Jan 1, 1859

John Brown leads a raid at Harpers Ferry.

Statehood

Jun 20, 1863

West Virginia becomes a state on June, 20, 1863

The right to vote

Mar 20, 1872

West Virginia gives African American men the right to vote

Mine Laws

Mar 3, 1883

The legislature of West Virginia approves the first mine safety laws.

The West Virginia Hills

Mar 3, 1885

One of WV's state songs is created.

The worst Mine disaster in U.S. history

Jan 1, 1903

In 1903, 361 miners died because of a fire.

Joanne Dru

Period: Apr 2, 1922 to Jun 6, 1996

Joanne Dru was an actor in movies like She wore a Yellow Ribbon and Red River

State Flag

Mar 20, 1929

The state flag was adopted

"We Want Action"

Feb 10, 1960

Students form WV State College protest segregation in front of City Hall in Charelston, 1960's.

Lottery

Mar 3, 1985

The state lottery is established.

Worst flood

Mar 3, 2001

West Virginia experiences the worst flood in its history.