1. In 1934, notorious bank robber John Dillinger was shot and killed by FBI agents outside of the Biograph Theatre in Chicago. However, it was later discovered that a man named Jimmy Lawrence, who bore a striking resemblance to Dillinger, was caught and killed instead. Reports suggest that Dillinger actually escaped and went on to live under an assumed name in Seattle, Washington.

2. On May 23, 1962, Seattle's iconic Space Needle officially opened to the public. The 605-foot-tall structure was built in just 400 days for the 1962 World's Fair and has since become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.

3. In 2006, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples. Although this was a small step towards marriage equality, it was an important first step in the fight for LGBT rights in the state.

4. On May 23, 1935, a major earthquake struck the Olympia area, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The quake measured a magnitude of 6.7 and was felt as far away as Portland, Oregon.

5. In 2002, Seattle hosted the first ever Winter Olympics held in the United States. The event attracted athletes and spectators from around the world and served as a major boost to the city's economy. Despite concerns about a lack of snow, Seattle pulled off a successful and memorable event.