1. On December 19, 1799, George Washington died at his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia. He was the first President of the United States and played a crucial role in the American Revolution. His death marked the end of an era in American history.

2. In 1843, the Washington Temperance Society was founded in Baltimore, Maryland. The society was formed by a group of men who had pledged to abstain from alcohol and promote temperance. They spread their message across the United States, including Washington state.

3. On December 19, 1855, the Washington Territorial Legislature approved the charter for the University of Washington in Seattle. The university is now one of the largest and most prestigious colleges in the United States.

4. In 1963, the Washington State Department of Transportation announced plans to build a new bridge across the Columbia River to replace the aging Interstate Bridge. The bridge would eventually become the I-5 Bridge and connects Vancouver, Washington to Portland, Oregon.

5. On December 19, 1985, the Seattle Seahawks made their first playoff appearance in franchise history. They played the Los Angeles Raiders in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, but lost 13-7. The Seahawks would eventually win their first playoff game the following year.