1. In 1607, the English established their first permanent settlement in North America at Jamestown, Virginia on May 14, 1607. This was just one day before May 15, which is an important date in Virginia history as it marks the official establishment of the first European settlement in North America.

2. May 15, 1776 was an important day for Virginia and the American Revolution, as it was the day the Virginia Convention adopted the Virginia Declaration of Rights. This document was a precursor to the United States Declaration of Independence and helped to pave the way for the new nation's founding principles of individual rights and freedoms.

3. On May 15, 1862, the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia was destroyed by its own crew to prevent it from falling into Union hands during the Civil War. The Virginia had been a formidable opponent for Union naval forces, and its destruction marked a turning point in the war.

4. In 1940, the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway that winds through Virginia and several other states, was officially dedicated. The road offers stunning vistas and access to outdoor recreation opportunities, and draws millions of visitors each year.

5. On May 15, 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law creating the George Washington National Forest in Virginia. This vast forest covers over a million acres of land and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and brook trout. It also offers many recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.