1. The White House was burned down in 1814: On August 15, 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces invaded Washington, D.C. and set fire to many buildings, including the White House. As a result, President James Madison had to flee the city.

2. The Washington Monument was opened in 1888: After almost 40 years of construction, the Washington Monument was finally opened to the public on August 15, 1888. The monument stands at 555 feet tall and is the tallest structure in Washington, D.C.

3. Eleanor Roosevelt dedicated the National Archives in 1935: On August 15, 1935, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt dedicated the National Archives Building, which houses important historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

4. Howard University was founded in 1867: On August 15, 1867, Howard University, one of the country's oldest historically black colleges and universities, was founded in Washington, D.C. The university has produced numerous notable alumni, including Thurgood Marshall and Toni Morrison.

5. The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920: On August 15, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. This landmark achievement was a result of decades of activism by suffragettes and paved the way for increased gender equality in the United States.