1. On April 3, 1863, a group of settlers arrived at Virginia City, Montana. The town, which was originally a mining camp, quickly grew to become one of Montana's largest cities during the gold rush of the 1860s.

2. In 1875, on April 3, the first church in Bozeman, Montana was erected. It was built by Reverend John L. Danner and was called the Methodist Episcopal Church.

3. On April 3, 1903, the University of Montana was founded in Missoula. At the time, it was known as the University of Montana-Missoula, and it was the state's first university.

4. In 1945, on April 3, the Montana House of Representatives passed a bill that officially recognized the Montana state flag. The flag features a blue field with a representation of the state seal in the center.

5. On April 3, 1974, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck near Gallatin Gateway, Montana. Although the quake was relatively small, it was felt throughout the surrounding area and caused some damage.