1. In 1859, the Washington Monument was completed. Construction on this historic obelisk began in 1848, but was delayed due to funding problems and the Civil War. It stands at over 555 feet tall and is made of marble, granite, and sandstone.
2. In 1949, the National Archives building was dedicated by President Harry S. Truman. The building houses important historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
3. In 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency was established by Executive Order signed by President Richard Nixon. The agency is responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing regulations and conducting research on the impact of pollution.
4. In 2007, the Washington Nationals baseball team played their first game in their new stadium- Nationals Park. The stadium is located along the Anacostia River and has a seating capacity of over 41,000.
5. In 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, into law. The law aimed to increase access to healthcare for millions of Americans by expanding Medicaid, regulating insurance companies, and providing subsidies for those who could not afford coverage.