1. Massachusetts became the 6th state to ratify the United States Constitution on October 3, 1788. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and has remained the foundation of the country's government for more than 230 years.

2. A catastrophic fire broke out in Chicago on October 3, 1871, killing more than 300 people and destroying thousands of buildings. While this may not seem like a Massachusetts event, it had a strong impact on urban planning and fire safety regulations across the country, including in Massachusetts.

3. On October 3, 1895, the first professional game of American football was played in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. This event helped to establish football as a popular sport in the United States, including in Massachusetts where the New England Patriots have won multiple Super Bowls.

4. In 1951, Massachusetts Governor Paul A. Dever signed a bill that created the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. The Turnpike now spans 138 miles across the state, connecting Boston to the New York border and helping to facilitate commerce and transportation throughout the region.

5. On October 3, 2000, the Boston Red Sox lost Game 5 of the American League Championship Series to the New York Yankees, bringing an end to their season and dashing the hopes of fans across the state. While this may seem like a trivial event, sports have always played an important role in Massachusetts culture and identity.