1. The National Gallery of Art opened its doors to the public for the first time on October 20, 1941. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 150,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary pieces.

2. On October 20, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in the District of Columbia. This amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States.

3. The Reflecting Pool, one of the most iconic features of the National Mall, was rededicated on October 20, 2011, after a two-year renovation project. The pool is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

4. On October 20, 1981, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History was established in Washington, D.C. The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Jewish men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

5. The Washington Mystics, the city's WNBA team, won their first championship on October 20, 2019, defeating the Connecticut Sun in Game 5 of the finals. The team, led by league MVP Elena Delle Donne, brought the city its first professional basketball championship since the Washington Bullets won the NBA title in 1978.