1. In 1861, Virginia seceded from the United States. On January 12 of that year, the Commonwealth officially joined the Confederate States of America.

2. On January 12, 1781, the Battle of Cowpens took place in South Carolina. This battle was a turning point in the American Revolution, as it signaled the beginning of a series of victories for the Continental Army over the British.

3. The Virginia Tech Hokies basketball team made history on January 12, 2011, when they defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 94-65. The Hokies hit a record-breaking 20 three-pointers in the game, which tied the NCAA record for most three-pointers made in a single game.

4. January 12, 1809, is the birthday of poet Edgar Allan Poe. Although Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, he spent several years living in Virginia and is often associated with the state.

5. On January 12, 2007, actor Kevin Bacon visited the Virginia State Capitol to advocate for the arts. Bacon, a native of Pennsylvania, was in town to perform with his band, The Bacon Brothers, at the Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria.