1. In 1997 on October 12th, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. The museum opened in 2004 and is home to one of the most extensive collections of Native American artifacts and artwork.

2. On October 12, 1933, the Washington Redskins played their first home game at Griffith Stadium, defeating the New York Giants 21-0. The Redskins continue to be one of the most popular professional football teams in the District of Columbia.

3. On October 12, 1926, the first transatlantic telephone call was made from the U.S. to London. The call was made from the U.S. Naval Radio Station in Anacostia, D.C. to the General Post Office in London, UK.

4. On October 12, 1940, the Culpeper Flag, one of the earliest and most famous flags of the American Revolution, was returned to the United States by the United Kingdom. The Culpeper Flag was flown by the Culpeper Minute Men, a Virginia regiment of militia, during the American Revolution.

5. On October 12, 1961, the Soviet Union tested a nuclear bomb, causing concern and fear throughout the world. This event was significant because it intensified the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union, which eventually led to the Cold War.