1. In 1828, the first Protestant mission in Minnesota was established on December 3 by Reverend William T. Boutwell. The mission was located in what is now the city of Mendota and was designed to serve the local Dakota tribe.

2. December 3, 1862, saw the end of the Dakota War, a conflict between the US government and the Dakota people. The Dakota were forced to surrender after being defeated by federal troops, and 38 Dakota men were executed in Mankato on December 26th of the same year.

3. On December 3, 1917, the first ever Christmas seal sale in Minnesota was held in St. Paul. Christmas seals are stamps sold to raise money for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. Minnesota was the first state to hold a Christmas seal sale.

4. December 3, 1939, saw the dedication of the new Municipal Auditorium in Minneapolis. The venue, which seated over 10,000 people, was home to major events and concerts for decades, including performances by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.

5. In 1983, December 3 was designated as 'Minnesota Statehood Day' to commemorate the day in 1858 when Minnesota became the 32nd state in the USA. The day is celebrated with events and activities across the state every year.