1. In 1783, the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser newspaper reported that the first public demonstration of a hot-air balloon flight in America took place on May 5th in Philadelphia. French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard ascended in his balloon from the Walnut Street jail yard and flew for about 45 minutes, reaching an altitude of about 5,800 feet before returning to earth.

2. On May 5, 1864, during the American Civil War, Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia clashed with Union General George Meade's Army of the Potomac in the Battle of the Wilderness. The battle took place in Spotsylvania County, Virginia but many soldiers from Pennsylvania fought in it.

3. On May 5, 1893, the World's Columbian Exposition opened in Chicago, Illinois. Pennsylvania was well-represented with exhibits ranging from the Pennsylvania Railroad's massive replica of its 4-track system to displays of elegant Cut Glass made in the state.

4. In 1964, on May 5th, the first recording of a Beatles song, "Love Me Do," was released in the United States. The Beatles had played in several venues in Pennsylvania that year, including the public auditorium in Philadelphia that accommodated over 12,000 fans.

5. On May 5, 1981, the first class of women was admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Many women from Pennsylvania went on to attend the USMA and serve their country as officers in the United States Army.