1. In 1792, the Virginia General Assembly approved the charter for the Bank of Virginia, marking the establishment of its first statewide banking institution.

2. On May 8, 1864, the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House began during the Civil War. The battle lasted for 12 days and resulted in approximately 32,000 casualties.

3. In 1907, the Jamestown Exposition opened in Norfolk, Virginia. The exposition celebrated the 300th anniversary of Virginia's founding and showcased the state's economic, cultural, and historical resources.

4. On May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe (VE) Day was celebrated across the United States and in Virginia, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Virginians celebrated with parades, speeches, and gatherings.

5. In 2008, Virginia Tech held its first commencement ceremony since the tragic shooting that occurred on campus the previous year. The ceremony included a moment of silence to honor the victims and their families.