1. In 1862, the Battle of Cedar Mountain took place in Virginia, but it had significant consequences for Massachusetts. The 22nd Massachusetts Regiment fought in the battle and suffered heavy losses, including their commander Colonel William R. Lee.

2. On July 24, 1911, the Massachusetts State House was officially dedicated. The building, which is still standing today, took two years to construct and cost $5.2 million at the time.

3. In 1969, Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts became known for the tragic car accident involving Senator Ted Kennedy. On July 24th of that year, Kennedy drove his car off a bridge, resulting in the death of his passenger Mary Jo Kopechne.

4. On July 24, 1984, the Democratic National Convention was held in San Francisco, California. Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis was nominated as the Democratic candidate for President, but he ultimately lost the election to incumbent Ronald Reagan.

5. Finally, on July 24, 2003, Peter Gomes, the chaplain of Harvard University, delivered the benediction at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Gomes was a renowned theologian and author who passed away in 2011.