1. Statehood Day: August 15, 1889, marked North Dakota's admission as the 39th state in the union. The day is observed annually as Statehood Day, celebrating 132 years of statehood.

2. Theodore Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch: On August 15, 1883, a young Theodore Roosevelt bought the Maltese Cross Ranch, which would later become the Elkhorn Ranch, in the North Dakota Badlands. The ranch was his retreat from New York City and the site of many of his adventures and writings.

3. Lewis and Clark Expedition: On August 15, 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through what is now North Dakota on their return trip from the Pacific Ocean. They camped near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers and met with a group of Mandan Indians.

4. Grand Forks Tornado: On August 15, 1969, an F4 tornado struck the city of Grand Forks, causing widespread damage and killing 10 people. It was one of the deadliest tornadoes in North Dakota history.

5. Tom Vining becomes North Dakota's first Congressman: On August 15, 1981, Tom Vining was elected as North Dakota's first Congressman, representing the state's newly created at-large district. Vining served in Congress until 1993 and was a strong advocate for North Dakota's agricultural interests.