1. On August 20, 1791, the District of Columbia was officially created when Congress passed the Residence Act, granting President George Washington the power to select a site for the nation's capital. This legislation paved the way for the construction of Washington, D.C. as we know it today.

2. In 1856, a major fire broke out in the Washington Navy Yard on August 20, destroying the shipyard's main building and several smaller structures. The blaze was eventually brought under control, but it caused significant damage to the naval facility.

3. In 1920, on August 20, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. This milestone in American democracy was supported by many prominent suffragists in the District of Columbia, including Alice Paul and Lucy Burns.

4. On August 20, 1968, the streets of Washington, D.C. were filled with demonstrators protesting the Vietnam War and police brutality. The protests turned violent, with police and National Guardsmen using tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds. This event, known as the Battle of Columbia Heights, marked a turning point in the anti-war movement.

5. In 2009, on August 20, First Lady Michelle Obama visited the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. to promote her anti-obesity campaign, Let's Move!. She met with local residents and community leaders, highlighting the importance of healthy eating and active living.