Today In History
5 Fun Facts About May 18 In Washington History
1. Mt. St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, causing immense destruction in Washington state and killing 57 people. The eruption was one of the most significant volcanic events in American history, resulting in widespread damage to the landscape and altering the surrounding ecosystem for decades afterwards. 2. On May...
5 Fun Facts About April 24 In Washington History
1. In 1867, the Washington Territorial Legislature adjourned for the last time in Olympia, marking the end of Washington's territorial period and the beginning of its statehood process. 2. On April 24, 1935, the iconic Smith Tower in Seattle was declared the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. It...
5 Fun Facts About April 8 In Virginia History
1. On April 8, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Confederate Army to General Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the American Civil War. The site is now preserved as Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. 2. In 1970, Virginia Governor Linwood Holton signed a...
5 Fun Facts About March 14 In Virginia History
1. In 1622, the Powhatan Indian tribe launched a surprise attack on Virginia colonists, resulting in the death of hundreds of settlers. This event, known as the Indian Massacre of 1622, took place on March 14. 2. On March 14, 1743, Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence...
5 Fun Facts About February 21 In Virginia History
1. In 1787, Virginia became the fifth state to ratify the United States Constitution, marking a major milestone in the formation of the new country. 2. On February 21, 1865, the Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, began its siege of Petersburg, Virginia, in what would become one...
5 Fun Facts About February 13 In Virginia History
1. On February 13, 1732, the first public aution house in America was established in Williamsburg, Virginia. The auction house, known as the Raleigh Tavern Auction Rooms, quickly became a popular venue for buying and selling goods in the Virginia colony. 2. In 1861, on February 13, Virginia delegates to...
5 Fun Facts About January 25 In Virginia History
1. On January 25, 1844, the University of Virginia founded a chapter of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, one of the earliest fraternities to take root on the Charlottesville campus. Today, Phi Kappa Sigma is still an active fraternity at UVA, with a focus on community service and leadership development....
5 Fun Facts About January 21 In Virginia History
1. In 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union on January 21, becoming the eighth state to join the Confederate States of America. 2. On January 21, 1919, the Virginia General Assembly ratified the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. 3....
5 Fun Facts About December 24 In Virginia History
1. In 1779, the Virginia General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the observance of December 24 as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. This was done in response to the ongoing American Revolutionary War and the need for divine intervention in the conflict. 2. On December 24, 1809,...
5 Fun Facts About December 16 In Virginia History
1. In 1773, the Virginia House of Burgesses passed a series of resolutions protesting the British Parliament's imposition of taxes on the American colonies. These resolutions, drafted by a young Patrick Henry, included the famous phrase, "Give me liberty or give me death." 2. On December 16, 1830, the first...
5 Fun Facts About November 25 In Virginia History
1. On November 25, 1783, the last British troops left New York City, officially ending the Revolutionary War. This was a major triumph for Virginia and the other colonies that had fought for their independence. 2. On November 25, 1863, Union and Confederate troops clashed in the Battle of Missionary...
5 Fun Facts About November 16 In Virginia History
1. On November 16, 1776, Virginia's first constitution was adopted in Williamsburg. It established a permanent state government and declared independence from Britain. 2. In 1864, during the American Civil War, Union General Philip Sheridan led his troops on a decisive victory against Confederate General Jubal Early in the Battle...