Photo by West Virginia Humanities Council Nathan Scott rose to become one of West Virginiaâs four richest and most powerful men by 1900. Photo by West Virginia Humanities Council The collapse of the Silver Bridge at Point Pleasant led to the passage of federal legislation for a national bridge inspection and safety program. Photo by West Virginia Humanities Council CHARLESTON — The following events happened on these dates in West Virginia history. To read more, go to e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia at wvencyclopedia.org. Dec. 13, 1861: The Battle of Allegheny Mountain, one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil Warâs first year, took place in Pocahontas County.