1. St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Richmond
March 17 is the day the world celebrates St. Patrick's Day, and Virginia is no exception. Richmond has a particularly large and festive Irish community, and every year the Saint Patrick's Day Parade and Festival is one of the city's most popular events.

2. Virginia's Role in the American Revolution
March 17, 1776, marks the day that British troops evacuated Boston at the end of the Siege of Boston. This was a significant event in the American Revolution, as it marked the first major victory for the Continental Army.

3. Virginia's Adoption of the State Flag
On March 17, 1863, Virginia adopted its official state flag. The design includes the state seal on a navy blue background, with a white center stripe and two red outer stripes. The flag has been slightly modified over the years, but remains a symbol of pride for many Virginians.

4. Birth of an American Pioneer
On March 17, 1837, Charles S. Peirce was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. While not a Virginian by birth, Peirce spent much of his life in the state and is considered one of America's greatest philosophers and logicians.

5. Virginia's Connection to the Civil War
On March 17, 1865, Confederate General John B. Gordon launched a surprise attack on Union forces at Fort Stedman in Petersburg, Virginia. Though initially successful, the attack ultimately failed and was a significant blow to Confederate morale. The battle was one of the last major engagements of the Civil War in Virginia.