1. On April 12, 1607, English colonists under the command of Captain John Smith landed at Cape Henry, Virginia, becoming the first permanent English settlement in North America. The spot where they landed is now part of Fort Story Military Reservation and marked by a granite cross.

2. The American Civil War Battle of Fort Pillow took place in Tennessee on April 12, 1864. Though not in Virginia, the battle had significant implications for the war effort, as Confederate troops captured the fort and massacred a large number of Union soldiers, including many African American troops.

3. On April 12, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the American Civil War. This momentous event took place in Virginia and paved the way for the country's reunification.

4. The internationally-renowned Hartwood Winery in Stafford, Virginia was established on April 12, 1989. The winery has won numerous awards for its wines and offers tours and tastings year-round.

5. On April 12, 2019, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in preparation for the 2019 Commonwealth's Cup Rugby Match between Virginia Military Institute and United States Military Academy. The match, held at VMI's Gray-Minor Stadium in Lexington, Virginia, attracted thousands of fans and was deemed a success.