1. In 1881, the town of Williston, ND was incorporated. Today, this town serves as a hub for the oil industry, with over 200 drilling rigs operating in the surrounding area.

2. On May 18, 1910, North Dakota's first aviation accident occurred when R.W. Gillan crashed his biplane during a test flight near Fargo. Despite being injured, Gillan would go on to become a successful pilot and stunt performer.

3. In 1922, the state's first radio station, KFYR, began broadcasting in Bismarck. This station is still on the air today, making it one of the oldest continuously operating radio stations in the country.

4. On May 18, 1958, a major tornado outbreak struck North Dakota, killing 20 people and causing widespread damage. This event is remembered as one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in the state's history.

5. In 1980, North Dakota singer-songwriter Peggy Lee was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Lee, who was born in Jamestown, is best known for her recordings of such hits as "Fever," "Why Don't You Do Right," and "Is That All There Is?"