1. In 1853, Washington Territory was created. President Franklin Pierce signed a bill into law that separated the area from the existing Oregon Territory, establishing Washington as a separate political entity.

2. On March 11, 1889, Washington was admitted as the 42nd state in the United States. This event marked an important milestone in the state's history, as its citizens gained full representation in the federal government.

3. The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 also occurred on March 11. The fire, which lasted for over 12 hours, destroyed much of the city's downtown area and claimed several lives. It is considered one of the most significant disasters in the city's history.

4. In 1941, the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River was completed. The dam helped to bring electricity to the Pacific Northwest, and allowed for irrigation and navigation along the river.

5. On March 11, 2011, a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that caused widespread devastation along the coastline. The event also prompted concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants, including the nuclear facility at Hanford in eastern Washington.