1. On February 3, 1877, the U.S. Army established Fort Meade in present-day Sturgis, South Dakota. The fort played a significant role in the Black Hills Gold Rush and later served as a military training facility.

2. In 1896, South Dakota became the second state in the United States to adopt a women's suffrage amendment, allowing women to vote in all state and local elections. This historic decision was made on February 3.

3. February 3, 1936, marks the date of the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. South Dakota native John Cook was a member of the U.S. Men's Hockey Team that competed in the games.

4. South Dakota State University was founded on February 3, 1881, as the Dakota Agricultural College. Since its inception, the university has grown into a leading agricultural research institution and is known for its strong programs in engineering, nursing, and business.

5. On February 3, 1947, the worst blizzard in South Dakota's history began to rage. Known as the "Blizzard of '47," the storm left more than 70 people dead and countless others stranded and without power for days. The storm's aftermath prompted major changes in the state's disaster preparedness and response protocols.