1. Statehood Day: August 31 marks Statehood Day in North Dakota. It was on this day in 1889 that President Benjamin Harrison signed a proclamation admitting North Dakota as the 39th state of the Union.

2. Debut of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra: On August 31, 1920, the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra gave its first performance. The orchestra has since become a beloved cultural institution in the region.

3. Birth of Louis L'Amour: Louis L'Amour, one of North Dakota's most famous sons, was born on August 31, 1908 in Jamestown. L'Amour went on to become one of the most successful Western authors of all time, publishing more than 100 novels in his lifetime.

4. Construction of Garrison Dam: On August 31, 1953, construction began on Garrison Dam, a massive hydroelectric dam on the Missouri River in central North Dakota. The dam provided flood control, irrigation, and power to the region, but also displaced numerous Native American communities and caused environmental damage.

5. End of the Sheyenne River Valley Pioneer Park: On August 31, 2007, the Sheyenne River Valley Pioneer Park, a museum and living history village in West Fargo, closed its doors after more than 35 years of operation. The park had been a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, showcasing the pioneer heritage of the region.