1. On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British troops landed at Elk Landing in Maryland, which was then part of Pennsylvania. The troops marched towards Washington, D.C. where they burned many government buildings including the White House and the Capitol.

2. The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened on August 24, 1940, becoming the first superhighway in the United States. The turnpike, which stretches from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, was constructed as a toll road and revolutionized transportation in Pennsylvania.

3. On August 24, 1985, Philadelphia was the site of the largest anti-apartheid demonstration in the United States. More than 5,000 protesters marched through the city, calling for the end of apartheid in South Africa.

4. On August 24, 1932, the first indoor baseball game was played in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Convention Hall. The game was played between two teams of Major League Baseball All-Stars.

5. The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most important battles of the Civil War, began on August 24, 1863. The battle lasted for three days, resulting in a Union victory and the turning point of the war. Today, the Gettysburg National Military Park is a popular destination for tourists and history buffs.