1. On December 12, 1780, Virginia's Governor Thomas Jefferson issued a proclamation calling for a day of Thanksgiving and prayer in response to the defeat of British forces in the Battle of King's Mountain.

2. The Virginia House of Delegates officially recognized December 12 as "Virginia Day" in 1972. This day is meant to commemorate the state's rich history and cultural heritage.

3. Two prominent Virginia musicians were born on December 12. In 1915, Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, but spent much of his childhood in the Norfolk area. In 1969, Rob Zombie was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, but later moved to Virginia and attended school in Richmond.

4. On December 12, 1821, the Virginia General Assembly approved the charter for the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Company. This company would eventually become part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, which played a major role in Virginia's transportation infrastructure.

5. One of Virginia's most iconic landmarks, the Virginia State Capitol Building in Richmond, was completed on December 12, 1788. This building has served as the seat of government for the Commonwealth of Virginia ever since.