1. The Great Seattle Fire: On October 24, 1889, Seattle was devastated by a massive fire that destroyed 25 city blocks and left over 1,000 businesses in ruins. Despite the devastation, the city was rebuilt within a year, and the fire led to major improvements in city planning and fire safety regulations.

2. Washington State University founded: On October 24, 1890, Washington State University was founded in Pullman, Washington. Today, the university is one of the largest and most prominent public research institutions in the Pacific Northwest.

3. Grays Harbor lightship disaster: On October 24, 1978, the Grays Harbor Lightship, a ship that served as a lighthouse off the coast of Washington, capsized in a storm, killing 12 crew members. The tragedy led to new safety regulations for lightships and other navigational aids.

4. Seattle Seahawks debut: On October 24, 1976, the Seattle Seahawks played their first-ever NFL game, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals 30-24. The Seahawks have since become one of the most beloved sports franchises in the Seattle area.

5. Washington State Ferries founded: On October 24, 1951, the Washington State Ferries system was founded, providing regular transportation services across the Puget Sound between Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and other nearby destinations. Today, Washington State Ferries is the largest fleet of passenger and automobile ferries in the United States.