1. On November 7, 1841, the first issue of the Richmond Times-Dispatch was published. It was founded by journalist Samuel Augustus Mordecai, and has since become one of Virginia's most prominent newspapers.

2. The Battle of Droop Mountain, a significant Union victory during the American Civil War, was fought on November 7, 1863 in West Virginia. Many Confederate soldiers from Virginia were involved in the battle.

3. John W. Powell, a prominent geologist and explorer, was born on November 7, 1834 in New York City. He later became the second director of the U.S. Geological Survey and led expeditions down the Colorado River, resulting in important discoveries about the geology and ecology of the American West.

4. On November 7, 1882, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) won its first football game in its inaugural season. The team defeated Hampden-Sydney College with a score of 10-0.

5. The Virginia General Assembly first convened in the Capitol building in Richmond on November 7, 1785. The building had previously served as the Capitol of the Colony of Virginia, and is now a National Historic Landmark.