Events with tag - Virginia

January 1, 1748

First US Commercial Coal Mine

The first commercial coal mine in the United States opened in Richmond, Virginia in 1748, marking a pivotal moment in American industrial history. The discovery came after blacksmiths found coal fragments near the James River, leading to the establishment of the James River Coal Company.

January 1, 1748

First Commercial Coal Mine in America

The first commercial coal mining operation began in 1748 in Richmond, Virginia, marking a pivotal moment in American industrial history. Located in the Richmond Coal Basin, this operation laid the foundation for the American coal industry and sparked nationwide industrial development.

March 16, 1751

Birth of James Madison

James Madison, the fourth President of the United States and known as the 'Father of the Constitution,' was born at Belle Grove Plantation in Port Conway, Virginia. Born into a prominent Virginia family, he would later become one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States.

April 28, 1758

Birth of James Monroe

James Monroe, who would become the fifth President of the United States, was born on a modest plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Born to moderately prosperous planters Spence Monroe and Elizabeth Jones, his birth marked the beginning of a life that would significantly shape American history.

March 29, 1790

Birth of John Tyler

John Tyler, who would become the 10th President of the United States, was born into a prominent Virginia family at Charles City County. He was the first Vice President to succeed to the presidency following the death of a sitting President.

April 17, 1861

Virginia's Secession

Virginia's decision to secede from the Union marked a critical turning point in the American Civil War, coming after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter and Lincoln's call for troops. As the most populous and economically powerful Southern state, Virginia's secession transformed a regional dispute into a full-scale civil war.

June 1, 1862

Lee Becomes Confederate Commander

Robert E. Lee was appointed commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia on June 1, 1862, following General Joseph E. Johnston's injury at the Battle of Seven Pines. This appointment marked a pivotal moment in Civil War history.

August 28, 1862

Second Battle of Bull Run

A decisive Confederate victory in the American Civil War where General Robert E. Lee's 50,000 troops outmaneuvered Union forces of 62,000 men near Manassas, Virginia, resulting in over 22,000 total casualties.

May 10, 1863

Death of Stonewall Jackson

Confederate Lieutenant General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson died from pneumonia complications following friendly fire wounds received at the Battle of Chancellorsville. His death marked a crucial turning point in the American Civil War, significantly weakening the Confederate Army's tactical capabilities.

June 20, 1863

West Virginia Becomes 35th U.S. State

West Virginia achieved statehood on June 20, 1863, becoming the only state formed by separating from another state during the Civil War. The region broke away from Confederate Virginia due to strong Union loyalty and distinct economic differences.

June 20, 1863

West Virginia Becomes 35th U.S. State

West Virginia achieved statehood on June 20, 1863, becoming the only state formed by separating from another during the American Civil War. This historic split occurred when western Virginia counties remained loyal to the Union while Virginia voted to secede, leading to the creation of a new state through a series of conventions and legislative processes.

August 7, 1864

Shenandoah Valley Campaign

A pivotal Civil War campaign where Union General Philip Sheridan led 40,000 troops to destroy Confederate forces and resources in the Shenandoah Valley, effectively eliminating a crucial Confederate supply route and base of operations.

February 3, 1865

Hampton Roads Conference

A historic peace negotiation meeting during the American Civil War between President Abraham Lincoln and Confederate representatives aboard the River Queen steamboat in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Despite four hours of discussions, the conference failed to achieve peace.

April 9, 1865

Lee's Surrender at Appomattox

Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the American Civil War. The historic meeting took place at McLean House, where generous surrender terms were offered to Confederate forces.

April 9, 1865

Surrender at Appomattox

The historic surrender at Appomattox Court House marked the effective end of the American Civil War when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. The meeting took place at the McLean House and established terms that would help reunite the divided nation.

January 15, 1943

Pentagon Completion

The Pentagon, the world's largest office building at the time, was completed in Arlington, Virginia after just 16 months of construction, serving as the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Defense.