1. On May 3, 1858, Montana's first newspaper, the Montana Post, was published in Bannack. The paper covered news from mining communities in the area and was a vital source of information for early settlers.

2. In 1877, on May 3, the Nez Perce War began in eastern Montana. This conflict between the U.S. government and the native Nez Perce tribe lasted for several months and covered a large area of Montana and neighboring states.

3. On May 3, 1933, the "last great train robbery" in U.S. history occurred near Wagner, Montana. A group of robbers stole $46,000 from a mail train, but were eventually caught and brought to justice.

4. In 1959, on May 3, the Montana State Capitol building in Helena was officially dedicated. The Capitol was designed by Charles Emlen Bell and is considered an excellent example of Neoclassical architecture.

5. On May 3, 2008, Montana became the first state to establish a wolf hunt after the gray wolf was removed from the endangered species list. The hunt was controversial and sparked a debate over wolf conservation in the state.