1. Virginia seceded from the Union on January 19, 1861: Virginia became the eighth state to secede from the Union, joining the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The decision came after a convention in Richmond voted overwhelmingly in favor of secession.

2. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807: Lee was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, and went on to become one of the most well-known and respected military leaders of the Confederacy during the Civil War.

3. Virginia ratified the United States Constitution on January 19, 1788: Virginia was the tenth state to ratify the US Constitution, and its approval helped to ensure that the document would be adopted and enforced throughout the country.

4. The Virginia Military Institute was founded on January 19, 1839: The Virginia Military Institute is a state-supported military college located in Lexington, Virginia. The school has a long and proud history of producing graduates who go on to serve in the military and other leadership positions.

5. Birth of Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder on January 19, 1931: L. Douglas Wilder was the first African-American to be elected governor of a US state, serving as Virginia's governor from 1990-1994. He also served as the mayor of Richmond, Virginia and as a member of the Virginia State Senate.