West Virginia Marks Centuries of Progress and Tragedy in Week of Milestones
West Virginia celebrated a century of milestones this week in history, with notable birthdays, deaths, and achievements that spanned multiple fields. John Chambers, former CEO and chairman of Cisco Systems, was born on August 23, 1949, in Cleveland but spent his formative years in Ravenswood and Charleston.
The Mormon Church established its first 'stake' or congregation in West Virginia on the same day, with nearly 4,000 members organized in Charleston. Tragically, Louis Bennett Jr., West Virginia's only World War I fighter ace, died from injuries sustained when his plane was shot down by German anti-aircraft fire on August 24, 1918.
Joe Manchin III, a prominent politician who served as governor and senator, was born on August 24, 1947, in Fairmont. The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope was dedicated on August 25, 2000, marking a significant achievement in West Virginia's scientific endeavors.
Mathematician Katherine Johnson, who worked for NASA for 33 years and made calculations for manned space flights, including the Apollo 11 moon landing, was born on August 26, 1918. This week also saw the birth of blues legend 'Diamond Teeth Mary' (Mary McClain) on August 27, 1902.
The West Virginia Turnpike's groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 29, 1952, marking the beginning of construction on the road that would initially have two lanes due to concerns about revenue.