1. In 1892, the Washington State Agricultural College (now Washington State University) opened its doors to students. The land-grant institution is now a leading public research university with campuses throughout the state.

2. On August 29, 1934, the first section of the Pacific Highway was officially dedicated in Washington. The highway, which connected British Columbia to California, was a major transportation route for decades before being replaced by interstates in the 1960s.

3. In 1958, the first Boeing 707 jetliner made its maiden flight from Renton Municipal Airport in Washington. The aircraft, which revolutionized air travel, was built at Boeing's facilities in nearby Seattle.

4. On August 29, 1970, Jimi Hendrix gave his last concert in his hometown of Seattle. The legendary guitarist died just three weeks later in London.

5. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina brought heavy rain and strong winds to Washington, causing widespread power outages and flooding. The storm was one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in US history.