1. On October 3, 1962, James Meredith, the first African American to attend the University of Mississippi arrived on campus. His enrollment was met with violence, and it took the intervention of the National Guard and federal troops to ensure his safety during his time at the university.

2. In 2005, Hurricane Rita made landfall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on October 3, causing widespread damage and leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents.

3. The first known woman to fly a plane in Mississippi was Vera Dawn Walker, who flew solo on October 3, 1943, at the age of 19. Walker went on to become a pilot for American Airlines.

4. On this day in 1903, the town of Popp's Ferry, located on Biloxi Bay, was incorporated. Today, it is a popular residential and recreational area.

5. The annual Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, one of the largest and most celebrated blues music events in the state, is held on the first Saturday in October each year — occasionally falling on October 3. The festival features performances by some of the biggest names in blues music, including B.B. King, Bobby Rush, and Muddy Waters.