1. In 1607, the Virginia Company of London landed their first expedition in what is now Virginia. This group established the first permanent English settlement in North America.

2. In 1781, during the American Revolution, General George Washington and French General Rochambeau met in Virginia to plan the siege of Yorktown. This battle would ultimately lead to the surrender of British General Cornwallis and the end of the war.

3. In 1862, during the Civil War, the Battle of Yorktown took place in Virginia between Union and Confederate forces. The Union was victorious, and this battle helped pave the way for the eventual Union capture of Richmond.

4. In 1938, Virginia Governor James Price signed a bill creating the Virginia State Police. This new law enforcement agency was created to provide statewide law enforcement services and to assist local agencies with criminal investigations.

5. In 1953, Virginia ratified the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which sets a limit of two terms for the presidency. Virginia was the 15th state to ratify the amendment, which ultimately became part of the Constitution on February 27, 1951.