1. On May 11, 1883, the Northern Pacific Railway opened its line through Fargo, North Dakota, connecting it to Minneapolis and Chicago. This allowed for greater transportation and commerce opportunities in the region.

2. In 1910, the North Dakota state legislature established May 11 as the official celebration of Statehood Day, commemorating the state's admission to the Union on November 2, 1889.

3. May 11, 1928 was the birthdate of Doug Blubaugh, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling. Blubaugh grew up in North Dakota and later attended Oklahoma State University, where he won multiple national championships.

4. On May 11, 1963, a severe tornado outbreak struck North Dakota, causing significant damage and claiming 3 lives. The towns of Cooperstown and Aneta were particularly hard hit.

5. In 1985, the North Dakota state house passed a bill establishing May 11 as "Mental Health Awareness Day" in an effort to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma associated with seeking treatment.