June 18 is an important date in Virginia's history, marked by numerous significant events, including political and military happenings, as well as cultural and social milestones. Here are five interesting facts about June 18 in Virginia's history:

1. On June 18, 1775, the Continental Congress appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Washington, a Virginia native and resident, went on to lead the army to victory against the British during the American Revolutionary War.

2. On June 18, 1812, the War of 1812 began, in which several Virginia militias participated, including the Virginia militia led by future president William Henry Harrison.

3. On June 18, 1861, Confederate troops, led by General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, routed Union forces at the Battle of Cross Keys in Rockingham County, Virginia, during the American Civil War.

4. On June 18, 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Burry Port, Wales, having taken off from Trepassey, Newfoundland. Earhart's historic flight began with a stop in Virginia, where she and her team stayed overnight at the Lonesome Pine Airport near Big Stone Gap.

5. On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel to space, as a crew member aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. Ride was born in Los Angeles, California, but spent much of her career in Virginia, including serving as a physics professor at the University of California, San Diego, where the Sally Ride Science program was established to encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.