1. In 1889, North Dakota was established as a state on August 5, along with South Dakota, making them the 39th and 40th states of the United States.

2. On August 5, 2013, a tornado touched down in the city of Watford City, causing significant damage to the town and injuring multiple people.

3. August 5, 1966 marked the opening of the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, which has since become an important base for nuclear-capable bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

4. The North Dakota State Fair, one of the largest events in the state, begins on August 5 and runs for nine days. The fair features livestock exhibits, carnival rides, food vendors, and concerts.

5. In 1974, North Dakota native and baseball legend Roger Maris passed away on August 5 at the age of 51. Maris famously broke Babe Ruth's record for the most home runs in a season in 1961 while playing for the New York Yankees.