1. In 1822, the Washington National Monument Society was founded. The society was created to oversee the construction of the Washington Monument, which was completed in 1885.
2. In 1883, the U.S. Patent Office caught fire, destroying thousands of patents and models. The fire was one of the most devastating disasters in American history, and many inventors lost their life's work.
3. In 1931, the George Washington Bridge opened to traffic. The bridge spans the Hudson River and connects New York City to New Jersey.
4. In 1965, Pope Paul VI became the first pope to travel to the United States. He visited Washington D.C., where he addressed the United Nations and celebrated Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
5. In 2013, the U.S. government shutdown began. The shutdown lasted for 16 days and was caused by a disagreement between Democrats and Republicans over funding for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.