1. In 1836, Arkansas became the 25th state to join the United States of America.

2. On September 2, 1945, Japan officially surrendered to the Allied Powers, effectively ending World War II. The USS Arkansas, a battleship named after the state, played a role in the war and was present during the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay.

3. The University of Arkansas was founded on September 2, 1871. It is now the flagship institution of the University of Arkansas System and one of the top public universities in the south.

4. The Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who were the first to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, began attending classes on September 2, 1957. This event was a key moment in the civil rights movement, and the bravery and determination of these students continues to inspire.

5. In 2008, Hurricane Gustav made landfall in Louisiana and caused significant damage in its path. Arkansas played a role in the disaster response efforts, with the state's National Guard and emergency management agency assisting with evacuation and relief efforts in affected areas.