1. The Battle of Gettysburg Ends: On July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg ended with a Confederate defeat, marking a turning point in the American Civil War.

2. Seattle's Great Fire: On July 3, 1889, a fire broke out in Seattle, destroying 29 blocks of the downtown area and causing up to $20 million in damages.

3. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse: On July 3, 1940, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington State collapsed due to wind-induced vibrations, just four months after its opening.

4. The U.S. State Department Reopens: On July 3, 1946, the U.S. State Department reopened in Washington, D.C. after being closed for four years during World War II.

5. The Washington Redskins are Founded: On July 3, 1932, George Preston Marshall founded the Washington Redskins football team, which became a staple of the city's sports culture for several decades.