1. In 1775, the Virginia Convention authorized the formation of Virginia's first navy. Led by Captain Dudley Digges, the fleet of five ships played an important role in defending Virginia's coast during the Revolutionary War.

2. On September 10, 1834, the University of Virginia held its first classes. Founded by Thomas Jefferson, the university is known for its unique and innovative educational model.

3. The Battle of Berryville was fought on September 10, 1864, during the American Civil War. Union forces under General Philip Sheridan defeated Confederate troops led by General Jubal Early in a decisive victory that helped to secure control of the Shenandoah Valley for the Union army.

4. In 1953, Virginia Senator Harry F. Byrd signed the Southern Manifesto, a document that opposed the Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

5. On September 10, 2019, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in advance of Hurricane Dorian, which was forecast to impact the state's coastline. The storm ultimately caused minimal damage in Virginia, but the state remained on high alert throughout its passage.