1. On September 3, 1791, the District of Columbia was officially named after Christopher Columbus. The name "Columbia" had been suggested by many, including George Washington, as a tribute to the renowned explorer and his role in the discovery of the New World.

2. In 1838, the first steam-powered fire engine in the United States was tested in Washington, D.C. The engine, built by the Philadelphia-based company Reaney, Neafie & Co., was capable of producing a powerful stream of water that could extinguish fires more quickly than earlier hand-pumped engines.

3. On September 3, 1912, the first balloon race took place in Washington, D.C. The race was organized by the Aero Club of America and attracted a diverse group of participants, including U.S. Army officers, British aviators, and wealthy sportsmen.

4. In 1967, the Washington Senators played their last game at D.C. Stadium (later known as RFK Stadium) before relocating to Arlington, Texas. The team, which had struggled for years to attract fans and win games, would become the Texas Rangers and enjoy greater success in their new home.

5. On September 3, 1985, the first National Children's Museum opened in Washington, D.C. The museum, which was founded by a group of local parents and educators, aimed to promote learning and creativity for children through interactive exhibits and educational programs. The museum closed in 2004 due to financial difficulties, but efforts are underway to reopen it in a new location.