1. In 1854, the Washington Territory was established by the United States Congress, encompassing what is now the states of Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana.

2. On May 22, 1889, a massive fire broke out in Seattle's downtown area, destroying over 25 blocks of buildings and leaving tens of thousands homeless.

3. In 1917, the United States declared war on Germany, triggering the country's involvement in World War I. The declaration of war came just over a month after Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare, sinking several American ships.

4. On May 22, 1960, the largest earthquake ever recorded in the United States occurred in southern Alaska. The quake, which measured 9.2 on the Richter scale, caused widespread damage and triggered a tsunami that caused devastation along the west coast of North America.

5. In 2009, the Seattle Sounders football club played its first ever match in Major League Soccer. The team, which has since become one of the most popular and successful franchises in the league, won its debut game 3-0 against the New York Red Bulls.