1. On December 11, 1787, Virginia became the 10th state to ratify the United States Constitution, joining the newly formed Union. Virginia played a significant role in the early years of the country, with many of the founding fathers coming from the state.

2. In 1816, the Virginia General Assembly established the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. The military school has produced many notable graduates, including Confederate General Stonewall Jackson and World War II hero George S. Patton.

3. In 1862, the Battle of Fredericksburg began, with Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee facing off against the Union Army of the Potomac led by General Ambrose Burnside. The battle lasted for several days and resulted in a decisive Confederate victory.

4. On December 11, 1928, the Byrd Theatre in Richmond opened its doors to the public. The historic theater is known for its lavish decor and has been a staple of the Richmond arts scene for over 90 years.

5. In 2013, Virginia's same-sex marriage ban was overturned by a federal judge, paving the way for marriage equality in the state. The ruling was appealed but ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015, allowing same-sex couples the right to marry in Virginia and throughout the country.