1. The Virginia earthquake of 2011 - On August 23, 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Virginia, the epicenter of which was located near Mineral. The effects of the earthquake were felt as far away as New York and Michigan, and it caused damage to many buildings in the state, including the Washington Monument in Washington D.C.

2. Virginia Statehood - August 23, 1784, marks the day that Virginia officially became a state, following the Revolutionary War. Virginia had been a British colony since its founding in 1607, and its history is closely tied to that of the United States as a whole.

3. The Battle of Wapping Heights - On August 23, 1863, the Battle of Wapping Heights was fought near the town of Paris in Virginia during the American Civil War. The battle was part of the larger Gettysburg Campaign and resulted in a victory for Union forces.

4. The Virginia State Fair - The Virginia State Fair, an annual event celebrating the state's agriculture and culture, traditionally begins on the Friday closest to August 23. The fair features livestock shows, exhibits, and entertainment and draws thousands of visitors each year to its location in Doswell.

5. Virginia Beach - August 23, 2014, marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of Virginia Beach as a city. The area had long been a popular destination for vacationers, but it wasn't until 1937 that it officially incorporated as a city. Today, Virginia Beach is known for its beaches, boardwalk, and other attractions.