1. Virginia was founded on August 15, 1620: The Virginia Company, a joint-stock company that was formed to establish settlements in North America, founded the first permanent English settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, on August 15, 1620. This event marked the beginning of the Virginia colony, which played a crucial role in the early history of the United States.

2. Virginia approved the Articles of Confederation on August 15, 1777: During the American Revolution, Virginia was one of the original thirteen colonies that joined together to form the United States. On August 15, 1777, Virginia became the fourth state to ratify the Articles of Confederation, which served as the country's first constitution until 1789.

3. Virginia declared its secession from the Union on August 15, 1861: During the Civil War, Virginia was a significant Confederate state. On August 15, 1861, the Virginia Secession Convention adopted an ordinance to secede from the Union, making it the tenth state to do so.

4. Construction began on the Blue Ridge Parkway on August 15, 1935: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway that runs through Virginia and North Carolina. On August 15, 1935, construction began on this famous roadway, which would become a popular destination for tourists and a source of economic development in the region.

5. NASA Langley Research Center was established on August 15, 1917: NASA Langley Research Center, located in Hampton, Virginia, is a leading research facility for aeronautics, climate science, and space exploration. It was established on August 15, 1917, as the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory and has played a vital role in America's space program ever since.