1. On May 3, 1779, the Battle of Maxton's Mill took place in North Carolina, just south of the Virginia state line. Although it technically happened outside of Virginia, many Virginians fought in the battle as part of the Continental Army. The battle was a victory for the Patriots, who were able to defeat a larger force of Loyalists and prevent them from marching into Virginia.

2. On May 3, 1816, the Virginia General Assembly authorized the creation of the Virginia Literary Fund. This fund was established to provide funding for public schools in the state, and it was initially funded by a tax on landowners. The fund still exists today, and it has provided billions of dollars in funding for Virginia's schools over the years.

3. On May 3, 1861, Virginia became the eighth state to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy. The decision was controversial, as many Virginians were divided over the issue of secession. Today, the Civil War remains an important part of Virginia's history, and many sites and museums throughout the state commemorate the conflict.

4. On May 3, 1899, the first Virginia State Fair was held in Richmond. The fair was originally created as a way to showcase the state's agriculture and livestock, and it quickly became a popular annual event. Today, the State Fair of Virginia is one of the largest fairs on the East Coast, drawing more than 200,000 visitors each year.

5. On May 3, 2017, Richmond hosted the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education. The colloquium brought together scholars, educators, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing black males in education. The event was a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about equity and access in education.