1. The District of Columbia was established on August 8, 1791. The Residence Act of 1790 was signed into law by President George Washington, setting in motion the creation of a new capital district along the Potomac River.

2. The Washington Monument, one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington D.C., was completed on August 8, 1884. The monument stands at 555 feet tall and was built in honor of the first president of the United States.

3. The District of Columbia suffered from a devastating earthquake on August 8, 2011. The magnitude 5.8 earthquake was centered near Mineral, Virginia, but was felt in Washington D.C. and other surrounding areas. Although the damage was relatively minor, the earthquake caused panic and confusion throughout the city.

4. On August 8, 1974, President Richard Nixon announced his resignation from office. This announcement came after the Watergate scandal, which had plagued his presidency and raised serious questions about his fitness for leadership.

5. August 8 is also the anniversary of the founding of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. The museum opened on this date in 2016 and features a range of exhibits and artifacts that explore the history and culture of African American people in the United States.