It Happened in West Virginia takes readers on a rollicking, behind-the-scenes look at some of the characters and episodes from the Mountain State's storied past. Including both famous tales, and famous names--and little-known heroes, heroines, and happenings.

Surrounding the West Fork River and its tributaries, the communities in northern Harrison County are rich in both history and pride. With an abundance of natural resources, such as coal and oil, the areas featured in Around Shinnston developed into industries that brought growth and commerce. Many of these towns were named for the coal companies that established mines there, including Gypsy and Owings. Viropa was named for Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, while Wyatt, previously called Goosetown, was renamed to honor a local physician. Big Elm once carried the roots of the largest water elm tree on record, and Enterprise was a large Indian territory. Shinnston is the largest community in Clay District (third largest in Harrison County) and is home to the oldest structure in this part of the state. These areas were the "heart of the Bituminous Coal Fields" and today take pride in their history.

From the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 to the Sandy Hook school massacre of 2012, this two-volume encyclopedia surveys tragic events—natural and man-made, famous and forgotten—that helped shape American history. Tragedies and disasters have always been part of the fabric of American history. Some gave rise to reactions that profoundly influenced the nation. Others dominated public consciousness for a moment, then disappeared from collective memory. Organized chronologically, Disasters and Tragic Events examines these moments, covering both the familiar and the obscure and probing their immediate and long-term effects. Unlike other works that concentrate on a particular type of disaster, for example, weather- or medicine-related tragedies, this two-volume encyclopedia has no such limits. Its entries range from natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, to civic disturbances, environmental disasters, epidemics and medical errors, transportation accidents, and more. The work is a perfect supplement for history classes and will also prove of great interest to the general reader.

Few areas of West Virginia can boast a more strategic location than Harrison County, the crossroads of Interstate 79 and US Route 50, as well as other major thoroughfares. Once known for its glass industry and natural energy resources and now the home of the FBIAa's Criminal Justice Information Services and the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex, Harrison County is proud of its diverse heritage and of the unique historical tale that has been shaped not only by the rugged landscape, but by the pioneering spirit of those who have made Harrison County their home. This entertaining history highlights many of Harrison CountyAa's notable people, places, and events, as well as the day-to-day life of residents through the years. Showcasing many never-before-published images of the 19th and 20th centuries, this volume offers readers a rare view of early businesses and schools, of social occasions and family gatherings, and of a way of life that no longer exists. Coupled with informative captions, these images beautifully illustrate the unique story of the region.

"John L. Finlayson collected and published photos and personal accounts of the people who lived through and responded to what became known as the Shinnston Tornado ... The storm system that created the tornado outbreak remained one of the most devastating storms in our nation's history for many decades."--Amazon.com.