1. New Hampshire became the 9th state in the United States on May 3, 1784. It was the first state to have its own state constitution, which is still in use today.

2. On May 3, 1851, the first train arrived at Manchester, New Hampshire, marking the beginning of the railroad era in the state. The train linked New Hampshire with Boston and the rest of the country, opening up opportunities for trade and commerce.

3. The first presidential primary in New Hampshire was held on May 3, 1916. The primary system had been adopted by the state in an effort to increase the influence of its citizens in the presidential nomination process, and it has since become a key part of presidential campaigns.

4. On May 3, 1938, the Mount Washington Observatory recorded the highest wind speed ever recorded by humans at the time, at 231 miles per hour. The record still stands as the highest surface wind speed ever recorded by humans outside of a tropical cyclone.

5. May 3 marks the anniversary of the first commercial flight in New Hampshire, which took place on this day in 1947. The flight was operated by Northeast Airlines and flew from Manchester to Boston, ushering in a new era of air travel for the state.