December 17 is marked with several important historical events in the state of Virginia. Here are 5 interesting facts about December 17 in Virginia history:

1. In 1798, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia Resolutions, which were a series of statements written by James Madison to resist the Alien and Sedition Acts enacted by the federal government. These resolutions affirmed the principle of state sovereignty and asserted that states have the power to nullify federal law if it violates the Constitution.

2. December 17, 1862, marked the end of the Fredericksburg Campaign during the Civil War. This significant battle resulted in a Confederate victory and is remembered for being one of the most brutal and deadly conflicts of the war.

3. In 1903, the Wright Brothers successfully completed their first controlled, powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Although not in Virginia, the Wright Brothers did conduct important tests and research at Virginia's Langley Air Force Base in the following years.

4. On December 17, 1972, the city of Norfolk, Virginia, witnessed a major fire at the Monticello Hotel, which killed eleven people and injured several others. The disaster led to significant changes in the state's fire codes and safety regulations.

5. December 17, 1985, saw the opening of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach. Since then, the center has become one of the state's most popular tourist attractions, featuring exhibits on marine life, conservation, and ocean research.

In conclusion, December 17 is a significant day in Virginia's history, marked by important events and milestones in the state's political, military, and cultural development.