1. On August 19, 1814, British troops landed at Benedict, Maryland, beginning their march towards Washington, D.C. where they would burn down the White House and the U.S. Capitol in what is now known as the War of 1812.

2. August 19, 1862, saw the Battle of Cedar Mountain, which was fought in Culpeper County, Virginia. The battle was part of the Second Battle of Bull Run, and saw Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson defeat the Union army commanded by Major General Nathaniel Banks.

3. On August 19, 1927, Virginia-born singer and actor, Gene Kelly, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kelly, who is best known for his roles in classic films such as Singin' in the Rain and An American in Paris, was born in Pittsburgh but grew up in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

4. August 19, 1931, is the birthdate of Virginia-born actor and director, William "Bill" Duke. Duke, who was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, grew up in Orange County, Virginia, and is known for his roles in films like Predator, Commando, and American Gigolo.

5. Virginia Tech, one of the Commonwealth's largest and most prestigious universities, was founded on August 19, 1872. Originally known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, and is home to over 30,000 students.