1. Vermont became the 14th state in the Union on March 4, 1791, but May 3, 1791, marked the first session of the state's General Assembly.

2. On May 3, 1865, the Vermont State Legislature voted to allow black men to vote, becoming one of the first states to do so following the Civil War.

3. In 1930, the first Green Mountain State Forest was established on May 3, preserving over 20,000 acres of natural wilderness for public use and enjoyment.

4. On May 3, 1980, the first U.S. postage stamp to feature a maple syrup scene was issued, showcasing Vermont's world-famous maple syrup industry.

5. May 3, 2004, marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vermont Law School's Environmental Law Center, which has since become a leading institution for environmental law education and advocacy.