1. On March 2, 1791, the United States Congress passed the Residence Act, which established Washington, D.C. as the new capital of the country. The location of the capital was chosen in part to appease the southern states, including Virginia, which had concerns about the power of the northern states.

2. On March 2, 1836, the Virginia General Assembly passed a law authorizing the creation of the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad Company. The railroad was eventually built and connected the cities of Norfolk and Petersburg, helping to facilitate transportation and commerce in the region.

3. On March 2, 1865, the Confederate Congress passed a bill to arm African American soldiers in the Confederate Army. However, the war ended just a few weeks later and the bill was never implemented.

4. On March 2, 1959, Virginia Congressman Watkins Abbitt introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to create a system of national parks and reservations in Virginia. The bill was eventually signed into law in 1966, and Virginia now boasts several national parks and historic sites.

5. On March 2, 1981, Virginia Governor Charles Robb began his term in office. Robb later went on to serve in the United States Senate and was known for his leadership on issues such as national security and fiscal responsibility.