1. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed a congressional act creating the Montana Territory, which encompassed parts of present-day Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. This expansion of the United States westward played a crucial role in shaping the country's development.

2. In 1916, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that women had the right to vote in state primaries. This decision paved the way for women's suffrage and contributed to the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution.

3. In 1982, the Seattle Seahawks retired the jersey number 12 in honor of their fans, known as the "12th Man." This tradition recognizes the important role that the team's supporters play in creating a home-field advantage.

4. In 2008, Washington state became the second state in the US to legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. This controversial law allows patients to request medication to end their lives, subject to certain strict conditions and safeguards.

5. In 2013, the US Department of Justice announced that it would not challenge the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Washington state and Colorado. This decision signaled a shift in federal drug policy and paved the way for further state-level legalization efforts.