1. In 1861, the first Virginia State Convention passed the ordinance of secession, which declared Virginia's secession from the United States. Virginia became part of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

2. In 1889, the Virginia Historical Society was founded in Richmond. The society is dedicated to preserving and promoting Virginia's history and culture through research, advocacy, and education.

3. In 1907, the first Virginia State Fair opened in Richmond. The fair showcased the state's agricultural and industrial products and featured livestock exhibits, carnival rides, and other attractions.

4. In 1936, the Blue Ridge Parkway was established. The scenic highway runs through Virginia and North Carolina and offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.

5. In 1994, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) admitted its first female cadets, ending a century-long tradition of all-male enrollment. VMI is a public military college in Lexington that has produced many notable alumni, including General George S. Patton and Nobel Laureate John F. Nash Jr.