1. The University of Arkansas was founded on October 3, 1871, making it one of the oldest public universities in the South.

2. On October 3, 1927, the Arkansas State Capitol building was dedicated in Little Rock. The building was designed in the Art Deco style and features a 24-carat gold leaf dome.

3. In 1951, Arkansas Governor Sid McMath declared a state of emergency due to a polio epidemic that had struck the state. October 3 was designated as "Polio Day" to raise awareness about the disease and the need for vaccination.

4. In 1961, the Arkansas Razorbacks football team defeated Texas Tech 21-0 on October 3. This was the first game played at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, which has become an iconic venue for sports and entertainment events.

5. On October 3, 1995, the Arkansas Razorbacks women's volleyball team defeated the University of Georgia in four sets to earn their first SEC victory. The team went on to win three SEC titles and make five NCAA appearances in the following decade.