1. On October 5, 1874, the Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Mississippi State University) held its first classes. The college was established as a land-grant institution to provide education in agriculture, engineering, and other practical fields.

2. In 1910, the first paved road in Mississippi was completed, connecting the cities of Gulfport and Biloxi. The road, which was part of the Gulf Coast Highway, was a significant development in Mississippi's transportation infrastructure.

3. On October 5, 1933, the Mississippi River reached a record high level of 48.7 feet in Vicksburg, causing widespread flooding in the region. The flood caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and farmland.

4. Mississippi native Elvis Presley made his first appearance on national television on October 5, 1956. He performed on The Ed Sullivan Show, which was one of the most popular television programs of the time.

5. On October 5, 1998, Mississippi became the last state in the United States to ratify the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery. The ratification came after a clerical error was discovered in the state's original vote, which had been cast in 1865.