1. In 1799, George Washington died at his home at Mount Vernon in Virginia. The former President and Founding Father had played an instrumental role in shaping the nation during its early years, and his passing was mourned by many.

2. In 1862, the Battle of Fredericksburg took place during the American Civil War. Union forces, led by General Ambrose Burnside, suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's army. The battle is remembered as one of the bloodiest of the war, with over 12,000 Union casualties.

3. December 14, 1918, is the birthdate of Sidney Lanier, an American musician, poet, and author who is best known for his work as a flautist. Lanier was also an accomplished poet, and his works were heavily influenced by his love of music and nature.

4. In 1959, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts opened its doors to the public in Richmond. The museum is home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including works by Edgar Degas, Auguste Rodin, and Pablo Picasso.

5. In 2007, a shooting took place at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia, leaving 32 people dead and dozens more injured. The tragedy is one of the deadliest mass shootings in American history and led to increased scrutiny of gun violence and mental health issues in the United States.