1. In 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state to be admitted to the Union. The state's path to statehood was a long one, with years of political wrangling and debates about its borders, but the people of Wisconsin were finally able to celebrate their admission to the United States on July 31 of that year.

2. On July 31, 1872, the first successful iron ore shipment from the Gogebic Range in northern Wisconsin was made. The shipment marked the beginning of a booming mining industry in the region, which would help drive the state's economy for many years to come.

3. In 1947, the Wisconsin State Fair opened its gates on July 31 for the first time since World War II. The fair, which had been cancelled during the war years, drew more than 500,000 visitors that year and has been a beloved tradition in the state ever since.

4. The Milwaukee County Zoo opened its doors to the public on July 31, 1958. The zoo, which sits on 200 acres of land and is home to over 3,000 animals, has become one of the premier attractions in the state and is a favorite destination for families from all over Wisconsin.

5. In 1987, the Guinness Book of World Records certified that the largest cheese sculpture in the world had been created in Wisconsin. The sculpture, which was unveiled on July 31 of that year, weighed 34,591 pounds and was shaped like a wheel of cheddar cheese. The record-breaking sculpture was a testament to the state's rich tradition of cheese-making and its status as the Dairy State.