1. On April 3, 1860, the first Pony Express rider arrived in San Francisco, having traveled 1,966 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri in just 10 days. While Pennsylvania was not directly involved in the Pony Express, it played a role in the telegraph lines that eventually replaced it, as the state was a key hub for communication between east and west.

2. April 3, 1922 was a tragic day in Pennsylvania history, as 19 miners were killed in an explosion at the Keystone Coal and Coke Company's Mine No. 2 in Somerset County. The disaster was a sobering reminder of the dangers that coal miners faced on a daily basis, and led to renewed efforts to improve safety in the industry.

3. On April 3, 1931, the Pennsylvania Railroad's T-1 steam locomotive made its first public appearance at the Altoona Works. Designed and built in-house by the PRR, the T-1 was one of the most powerful steam engines ever built, with a 4-4-4-4 wheel arrangement and a top speed of over 100 miles per hour.

4. April 3, 1964 was a significant date in the history of Pennsylvania politics, as it marked the inauguration of William Scranton as governor. Scranton was a Republican who had previously served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and his tenure as governor was marked by major reforms in education, transportation, and local government.

5. Finally, on April 3, 1998, longtime Pittsburgh Pirates standout Willie Stargell passed away at the age of 61. Stargell, who spent his entire 21-year career with the Pirates, was a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, and was known for his powerful swing and leadership on and off the field. His legacy lives on in Pittsburgh, where he is still revered as a beloved sports icon.