1. In 1862, the Battle of Valverde took place in New Mexico Territory, where a Confederate victory allowed them to briefly control the region. The battle was significant in Virginia history because it proved that the Confederacy could win battles outside of their home state.

2. On February 20, 1938, Virginia Military Institute suffered a devastating fire that affected many of its historic buildings including the barracks and library. The fire caused significant damage and almost all of the library's collection was lost.

3. In 1960, Virginia Senator Harry F. Byrd Sr. announced his retirement from the Senate on February 20th after serving for more than three decades. He was known for his conservative views on segregation and his staunch opposition to many of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies.

4. On February 20, 1972, a prisoner uprising occurred at the Virginia State Penitentiary in Richmond. The riot lasted for several days and resulted in nine deaths, including the warden, and significant property damage.

5. In 2007, Virginia Tech University became the site of one of the deadliest school shootings in American history. On February 20th, 32 people were killed and 17 others were injured in a mass shooting carried out by a lone gunman. The event sparked a nationwide debate on gun control and campus safety.