Today In History
5 Fun Facts About August 27 In Washington History
1. Mount St. Helens Eruption: On August 27, 1980, the most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history occurred when Mount St. Helens erupted in southern Washington. The blast killed 57 people and destroyed miles of forest and homes. 2. First National Park: On August 27, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed...
5 Fun Facts About August 26 In Washington History
1. In 1965, the Watts riots in Los Angeles came to a close after six days of violent protests following the arrest of a black motorist. Washington, along with other cities, felt the effects of the unrest as well, with several riots occurring in various neighborhoods across the city. 2....
5 Fun Facts About August 25 In Washington History
1. On August 25, 1985, "The Brothers Promise," a sculpture by Richard Beyer, was unveiled outside the Seattle Center House. The sculpture depicts two firefighters rescuing a child from a burning building, and pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters. 2. August 25, 1916, marked the opening of...
5 Fun Facts About August 24 In Washington History
1. 1814: Burning of the White House On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British soldiers set fire to the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and other public buildings in Washington, D.C. in retaliation for the American invasion of Canada. 2. 1949: First flight of a jet-powered airplane...
5 Fun Facts About August 23 In Washington History
1. On August 23, 1852, the first Central Pacific Railroad train was put into service, connecting Sacramento and Folsom, California. This marked a major milestone in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. 2. Ten years later, on August 23, 1862, the Civil War Battle of Groveton took place in Virginia,...
5 Fun Facts About August 22 In Washington History
1. On August 22, 1987, the Washington State Centennial Train rolled into Spokane as part of celebrations for the state's 100th birthday. The train carried exhibits showcasing the state's history and culture, and made stops in cities across Washington. 2. August 22, 1950, marked the grand opening of the first...
5 Fun Facts About August 21 In Washington History
1) On August 21, 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state of the United States. The decision to admit Hawaii as a state was a controversial one, with concerns over the presence of the military in the Pacific and questions of whether the island chain was culturally and politically aligned...
5 Fun Facts About August 20 In Washington History
1. On August 20, 1889, the state of Washington was admitted to the Union as the 42nd state. It was named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. 2. In 1968, the Seattle Pilots baseball team played its final game at Sick's Stadium on August 20 before...
5 Fun Facts About August 19 In Washington History
1. In 1814, British forces entered Washington D.C. and set fire to the White House, Capitol Building, and several other government buildings. 2. In 1909, the first automobile race was held at the newly-built Tacoma Speedway in Washington. 3. In 1916, Everett Massacre took place in which a labor dispute...
5 Fun Facts About August 18 In Washington History
1. In 1920, women in Washington state gained the right to vote in primary elections, two months before the 19th Amendment was ratified. 2. On August 18, 1968, the Washington D.C. riots erupted after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The riots lasted for four days and resulted in...
5 Fun Facts About August 17 In Washington History
1. In 1892, the Washington Athletic Club was established in Seattle. The club was one of the oldest and most prestigious athletic clubs in the Pacific Northwest which catered to the wealthy businessmen of the city. 2. In 1915, the Seattle Times sponsored the first "Seafair" event, a summer festival...
5 Fun Facts About August 16 In Washington History
1. In 1918, the deadliest forest fire in Washington state history started on August 16. Known as the "Great Fire of 1918," it burned over 238,000 acres and killed 38 people. The fire was caused by dry conditions and strong winds, and it ultimately led to the creation of the...