1. On February 5, 1779, the Virginia Gazette published a notice from Governor Thomas Jefferson calling for the continuation of the Continental Army of Virginia. This was part of Virginia's efforts to support the American Revolution and secure independence from Britain.

2. In 1833, the Virginia Legislature voted to dissolve the city of Alexandria's corporate charter, effectively returning it to its status as a part of Fairfax County. The move was controversial and remains a contentious issue in Virginia's history.

3. The first meeting of the Virginia General Assembly after Virginia joined the Confederacy during the Civil War took place on February 5, 1862. This meeting was held in Richmond and played a significant role in the early days of the Confederate government.

4. On February 5, 1917, the Virginia General Assembly ratified the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provided for the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote. This amendment had been proposed nearly two decades earlier but was only ratified by Virginia and a handful of other states after significant lobbying efforts.

5. The Virginia State Capitol building caught fire on February 5, 1952. The blaze was caused by an electrical malfunction and caused extensive damage to the interior of the building. It was eventually restored and remains an important landmark in Virginia's history.