1. In 1775, the United States Marine Corps was established by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The first Marine detachment was formed in Washington, D.C. in the following year.

2. On November 10, 1864, the Smithsonian Institution was formally organized in Washington, D.C. with the mission of "the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men". The institution now includes 19 museums and galleries, as well as 9 research centers.

3. The Washington Monument, a 555-foot obelisk located on the National Mall, was completed on November 10, 1884. It was the tallest structure in the world until the Eiffel Tower was completed the following year.

4. On November 10, 1938, a limited-access highway was opened between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. This highway eventually became part of Interstate 95, one of the busiest highways in the United States.

5. In 1994, the Vietnam Women's Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. It honors the more than 11,000 women who served in the Vietnam War, including 8 who were killed and 600 who were wounded.