1. On March 4, 1789, Virginia's George Washington became the first President of the United States after being unanimously elected by the Electoral College. Washington's legacy is still honored in Virginia today, with many public spaces and landmarks named after him.

2. In 1862, the Battle of Hampton Roads took place on March 4 and 5. This naval engagement between the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) and the USS Monitor marked the first time ironclad ships faced off in battle. The battle resulted in a draw, but it had a profound impact on naval warfare going forward.

3. On March 4, 1909, an inaugural parade was held in Richmond for Virginia's newly-elected Governor, William Hodges Mann. Mann was a progressive politician who implemented a number of reforms during his time in office, including the establishment of the Virginia State Police.

4. In 1960, March 4 was the date of a sit-in protest at the segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in Richmond. The protest was led by Virginia Union University students and marked one of the first organized civil rights demonstrations in the city.

5. On March 4, 2015, the Virginia General Assembly voted to allow concealed carry permit holders to bring guns into state buildings. This controversial decision sparked a heated debate between gun rights and gun control advocates, and led to protests and activism on both sides.